Arthur Anthony Wojtysiak

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of a beloved man in our life. Arthur Anthony Wojtysiak, 69, passed away on July 19th, 2026, while caring for his yard - his "little piece of heaven," as he called it.

Art was born on October 15th, 1956, to Ignatz and Elaine Wojtysiak. He grew up in a large farming family alongside eight siblings: Raymond, Michael, Rosemary, Edward (Carolyn), Stephen (Pam), Margaret, Anne (John), and Kenneth (Val). He graduated from AlBrook High School in 1975, and soon after, on June 26, 1976, married his high school sweetheart, Cathy LaRae Hansen. They recently celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage.

Art was a builder, which was evident in everything that surrounded him and told you everything you needed to know about him. His yard was filled with creations for children, sparked by ideas his wife would share. Beyond the yard - whether building a wooden school bus or airplane, crafting garden beds, or helping shape a home - he brought the imaginings of others to life with joy.

What began as a shop, where he built a successful construction business, he later gave up in part to renovate into something much greater: a home, where he worked tirelessly until his last day keeping it ready for his little friends to enjoy fun-filled days of activities.

Art and Cathy raised two children, Wendy and Chad. He instilled in them an unyielding work ethic and confidence, taught more often than not with patience, kindness, and a subtle hint of wit. He would come to share these same cornerstones of his character with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, coached players, and daycare littles as well. He was fiercely proud of them all.

Coaching became a natural part of Art's life when his granddaughter Allie moved into sports. You could find him running extra practices, building supplemental equipment, or dragging fields one day, then showing up on game day with his calm, steady support of his players. Long after they'd moved on, he enjoyed following their lives - catching a game when he could, and always eager to hear how they were doing.

Grandchildren Everette, Hannah, and Jack didn't need him on the sidelines to have his attention - he lovingly followed their activities and interests just as closely, always ready with a question about how things were going.

Art was quick to stand up and help, even when the aches and pains of his body protested. No matter how long his day had been, he was never too tired to play, to clear a field for practice, or to load up his tools and spend a day bringing someone else's project to life. His expertise was shared with a guiding hand and the occasional shake of his head, but always with respect. His quiet confidence made him unafraid to offer friendship, advice, or to just be silly at times.

When Art was not working on a project, he enjoyed time outdoors with the greybeards at the shack, swapping stories at the lake, and simply taking in the people around him. You could find him playing cribbage, or sitting in on the occasional board game - though he often preferred to watch - because he loved being with his family.

Art was preceded in death by his parents Iggy and Elaine, brother Michael, and infant brother Charles. He is survived by his wife Cathy; his daughter, Wendy (David) Wojtysiak-Erickson; his son, Chad (Jen) Wojtysiak; and grandchildren Allie (Brandon Will), Everette, Hannah, and Jack. He is also survived by his many siblings, dear friends and his treasured daycare families, who loved him as their own.

“Well, Honey, I know God thinks bringing you up to heaven will finally slow you down…but that simply won’t happen. I know you will search and find all the beautiful children up there, who had to sadly arrive before you, and you will then just build another amazing play space for them, where joy and laughter will once again fill the air and fill your heart.”

-Cathy

Art was a loving family man, respected craftsman, trusted mentor, and valued friend.

There will be a celebration of Art's life on July 29th, 2026, at 4:00PM at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, MN. Remembrances and a prayer will begin at 6:00pm for all who wish to participate.