Arnold Wiltz

WASHINGTON?Arnold E. Wiltz, 84, of Washington, passed away at 6:45 a.m., Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the OSF Richard Owen Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born July 14, 1929 in Chicago to Arnold and Ethel (Campbell) Wiltz. He married Mardell LaVone Diener on July 4, 1953, recently celebrating their 60th anniversary. Mardell survives. Arnold is also survived by two daughters, Sharon (John) Wiorek of Macomb and Crystal (Brian) Albright of Washington; one brother, James (Sharon) Wiltz of Dixon and several nieces and nephews. A devout Catholic, Arnold was a member of St. Patrick?s Catholic Church in Washington. He was a graduate of Metamora High School and Bradley University. He worked 33 years for Caterpillar as an accountant. After retirement, he and Mardell spent their winters in Winter Haven, Florida. Arnold was an alderman for Washington and a member of the Planning Commission for more than 30 years. He also had been active with the Jaycee?s. He also had served six years in the National Guard. Arnold was a member of Metamora High School?s first football team. He refereed basketball games and was a fan of both Washington and Metamora High School sports teams. He was also a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears. Arnold built his own home, he was mechanically inclined, especially with cars and also enjoyed woodworking. He loved to travel and planned many family trips to all 50 states. Arnold was a music enthusiast, especially jazz. He played the trumpet and sang in a quartet. He enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone. His great sense of humor and positive attitude touched many people. A funeral mass to celebrate Arnold?s life will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick?s Catholic Church with Father Steve Willard officiating. Burial will follow in Secor Cemetery in Secor. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and on Wednesday morning from 9:15 to 9:45 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Richard Owen Hospice Home in Peoria.