We mourn the passing of Arthur (Art) de St. Aubin on April 21, 2024, in Naples, Florida. Art, born on April 25, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ray and Euna de St. Aubin, is survived by his devoted and beautiful spouse of 69 years, Joan (Murray) de St. Aubin. Their enduring love story began on September 11, 1954, and became an inspiration to their family and friends. Despite the passage of time, Art remained a true romantic, often serenading Joan with Jack Jones’s timeless tune, “You’re My Girl,” at family gatherings.
Art’s educational journey took him from St. Angela Grade School in Chicago to St. Ignatius Preparatory School and eventually to Loyola University in Chicago. He also pursued studies at Indiana University Law School. His professional career spanned 40 years from 1956 to 1996, at the 3M Company (formerly, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company). Art started in the Sandpaper/Abrasive division in St. Paul, Minnesota, before contributing significantly to other divisions, particularly the Reflective division. He eventually rose to the position of Executive Director at 3M Automotive Center, Detroit, where he retired. During his time in Detroit, Art was distinguished by his membership in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame, and service on the board of Go Lightly Education Center, among other corporate activities.
Art’s commitment to service extended to church and community involvement. He served on the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocesan Board of Directors serving as president for 3 years and was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Minneapolis and St. Mary’s Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Throughout his life, Art had a deep passion for sports. Whether playing football in high school or supporting his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren in their sporting endeavors or playing golf well into his 80s, sports were a constant and cherished part of his life. But nothing compared to the joy he found in spending time with his family. As a father, grandpa/papa, and great-grandpa, Art’s famous chocolate milkshakes became a favorite among his loved ones and shared by all 86 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Art’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren treasured his storytelling and occasional tales, reflecting his talent as a skillful conversationalist. His caring nature and ability to connect with his loved ones, friends, and extended family forged meaningful relationships throughout his life.
Art leaves a legacy of love and unwavering faith, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, George (Ray) de St. Aubin & Mary (Euna) de St. Aubin; his daughter, Margaret (Meggie) de St. Aubin; sisters, Mary Agna (Ray) Norris and Rita (Bob) Rensel; brother, Raymond de St. Aubin; grandson, John Lentz; great-granddaughter, Ella Zeigler, son-in-law, Patrick Mohlin and brother-in-law Jim Traxinger.
He is survived by his beloved spouse, Joan; children: Nannette Mohlin, Mary (Matt) Lentz, Bobby (Ann) de St. Aubin, Joanie de St. Aubin, Art (Jane) de St. Aubin, Ed (Mary Ann) de St. Aubin, Dan (Shelley) de St. Aubin, Karen (Tom) Brozovich, as well as 29 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, sister, Catherine Traxinger, brother, Edward (Jane) de St. Aubin, sister-in-law, Rosemary (Rosie) de St. Aubin, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation(CFF.org), St. John the Evangelist Church, Naples, Florida, or charity of choice.
The Funeral Mass will be held on May 23, 2024 at 10am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 625 111th Ave N Naples, FL 34108. Family and friends are encouraged to gather in the foyer of the church at 9:30am. A reception will follow the funeral mass in the ballroom of the church.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6