Arthur Sawall

Arthur Sawall, of Wiggins, Colorado went to be with the Lord on September 11, 2023, at the age of 91 surrounded by his loving wife Windy, son Will, daughter in law McKenzie, daughter Lynnette and son in law Dean. Art lived a unique and full life and he loved to tell life stories of his many adventures and interesting experiences. Art was born in the Bessarabia on October 8th, 1931, and grew up in Germany, and in 1944 during World War II at the age of thirteen, he was on a train that was bombed by the United States. He suffered some serious injuries, however, he recovered, and in 1952 at the age of 19 with the sponsorship of a church in Gilcrest, Colorado, he boarded a ship and sailed to the United States with only forty dollars in his pocket. He tells the story of having to stay and clean the ship after it docked in the U.S as part of his sponsorship. He then set out with drive and determination to find work and build a life. One of Art’s many admirable qualities was his work ethic. He was a hard worker, willing and eager to take any job he could find. He began as a farm worker, sugar factory worker and glove factory worker in Ft. Morgan, Colorado then went to Missouri and Washington in search of work and worked the fields. He returned to Colorado and when afforded the opportunity, he was enthusiastic about learning any trade offered him. This was evident in the number of jobs he took out of necessity including: Denver steelworker, in Estes Park and Greeley he learned the skills necessary to be a meat cutter, and worked at Gordon’s grocery as well. Eventually, he owned his own meat market in Boulder. He worked in Aspen to build the number 5 ski lift and even did a stint in the logging industry. Art told of the many times he worked for little to no wage just because he was motivated to improve himself and learn various trade skills knowing that these skills would lead to success in this country and in fact, it did. He embraced the many facets of the construction industry and became a foreman helping to build Burger King on Federal Boulevard in Denver, Colorado. After mastering multiple skilled jobs, he settled into working with tile and stone and established his own tile business. Art loved working with his hands and could fix almost anything. Due to his diligence, willingness to learn, creative thinking and problem solving skills, he became a master craftsman. In 1986, he met the love of his life Bernice Geisick (Windy) at a polka dance in Denver and they were married on September 9th, 1989. They settled in Denver, Colorado. Years later, Windy and Art purchased property in Wiggins, Colorado where Art put his construction and carpentry skills to the test and together with Windy and a little help from family and a few friends, he and Windy built their current home with their own hands from the ground up. It took them three years to complete and was one of his proudest accomplishments. Art spent his life learning and caring for those around him, and he is known for his unfailing kindness to others and his ability to bring joy anywhere he went. His faith was very important to him and he dedicated his life to serving God and his current church, Immanuel Evangelical Church of Ft, Morgan. He belonged to the Central City Royal Arch Masons Chapter 1, Polka Club of America, Masonic Lodge #61 and was a member of various churches and boards throughout his long life. He also spent time at the Wiggins Senior Center where he played cards regularly and enjoyed fellowship with others. Art had a special way with children and they were immediately drawn to his kind and gentle spirit. Over the last twenty years, he was able to mentor, love and cherish over twenty children including his son William, who loved him dearly in return, and he was considered “Papa” to all of them. Art valued his family deeply and is preceded in death by his father, David Sawall, mother, Christina Rietmuller, son, William (Bill) David Sawall, brother Robert (Bob) Sawall, and daughter Christina Fidler. He is survived by his wife Bernice (Windy) of Wiggins, son, Will Schneider and wife McKenzie of Denver, brothers Emil and wife Joann of Broomfield, Siegfried and wife Ilse of Germany, sisters Erika Gschwentner of Germany, Lilly Kasten and husband Doug of Penrose, sister in law Nancy Sawall of Colorado Springs and daughter Lynnette Veik and husband Dean of Greeley. He was blessed with four grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Art will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, and while our hearts and lives deeply feel his loss, we thank God for his 91 years. We were blessed by his life, stories and love, and we rejoice that he is with Jesus who was also a master carpenter. A memorial service to celebrate Art’s life will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 1:00 pm at Immanuel Evangelical Church of Ft. Morgan.

Tributes

Arthur Sawall

October 8, 1931 - September 11, 2023