Earl Francis Arbter, 83, of Sturgeon Bay passed away peacefully at his home on April 16, 2012. He was born in Institute on March 30, 1929, to Frank and Adeline (Wilke) Arbter. On August 27, 1955, he married Doris A. Kugler; she preceded him in death on September 8, 1984. On October 9, 1987, Earl married Rita C. (Tlachac) Wesoloski. Earl served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1973, being stationed all over the world, making many friends and life-long acquaintances along the way. He retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. Earl served 15 months during the Korean War and two tours of duty in Vietnam. After he retired from the service, he was the 2nd shift supervisor at Dorco Mfg. until his retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Rita; children born to Earl and Doris, William “Arbie” J. (Jody) Arbter and Jan M. Arbter-Anderson; mother, Adeline, Sturgeon Bay; step-children, Jim (Sandy) Wesoloski; Jennifer (John) Bosman; Susan (Mike) Hirsch; grandchildren, Carman A. Anderson, Dori D. Arbter, James Earl Arbter, Jordan F. Anderson, Alex Z. Arbter; step-grandchildren, Stacy (Tim) Gerdmann, Kevin (Erin) Bosman, Hunter (Sara) Wesoloski, Jonathan (Cathy) Bosman, Kayla (Joey) Wilke, Michele (Tim) Ebendick, Jeffrey Hirsch; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (Tom) Kroll, Algoma; numerous aunts and cousins; dear friends and neighbors, Dennis and Shelly Peterson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris and his father, Frank.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday April 20, 2012, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Rev. Carl Schmitt, Rev. Anthony Birdsall, and Rev. Robert Konkol O.F.M. concelebrating. Burial will be at Bayside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. A prayer service will be held on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established in Earl’s name.

Special thanks to Unity Hospice for the wonderful care and support.