Arthur Edwin Senne

Mr. Arthur Edwin “Art” Senne, 85, of Elkhart, Indiana and formerly of rural Northwood, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart following an extended illness on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 7:55 pm. He was born on November 9, 1935 in Buffalo Center, Iowa to the late Dietrich and Caroline (Stohr) Senne.  On October 20, 1956, he married Renate H. Schmidt in Stuttgart, Germany while he was stationed with the US Army in Ludwigsburg, Germany.  They were married nearly 60 years until Renate’s passing in July 2016.

Surviving are their children Anita (John) Knudtson of Granger and Robert (Kristen) Senne of Elkhart; sisters Irene Holthaus of Ames, Iowa, Ardella Mostrom of Story City, Iowa and JoAnne Curts of Mason City, Iowa, and grandchildren Matt, Nicole, Taylor, and Sophia. He is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends.  Art is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a sister, Alvina Greenwood and a brother, Edwin Senne.

In accordance with Art’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his family is hosting a memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 30888 County Road 6, Elkhart, on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning one hour prior.  Pastor Spencer Mielke will officiate, and military honors will be rendered by the US Army Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV 19, depending on their availability due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. Additionally, face coverings will be required and the church will ensure that all COVID-19 guidelines are followed.  Art’s cremated remains will then be returned to the Silver Lake Cemetery in Northwood, Iowa with a service and burial to be held in the spring of 2021.

Art was an Iowa farmer, raised crops and livestock, and was highly self-sustaining due to the nature of farming itself.  He could fix just about anything and was highly talented in mechanics and carpentry.  Art would be the first to lend one of his neighbors or family a hand in any situation.  After retiring from farming, he spent several years as a crop insurance adjuster in Iowa and continued in Indiana after he and Renate moved there 10 years ago.

He was also a man of very strong Christian faith, served on church councils, taught high school Sunday school and mentored several young people over the years at Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, Iowa.  Giving, friendly, compassionate, patient and understanding, Art’s easy-going demeanor and personality won him many friends and acquaintances, and he will be greatly missed. 

Memorial donations may be given to the charity of one’s choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arthur Edwin Senne, please visit our floral store.