Arthur "Art" F. Deig

Arthur Frederich Deig, 91, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Art played football as tackle at Reitz High School where he won the Kiwanis Award the year he graduated, 1941. He remained a loyal supporter and fan of Reitz football the rest of his life. In 1942, he won the Golden Gloves Amateur Light-Heavyweight Boxing Championship Tournament in Evansville. He enlisted in the United States military in 1943 and was able to continue his passion for football, traveling to 22 states and playing for three Air Force teams. Art married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine “Jerry” Jaquess, on April 21, 1946. They raised their family on the west side of Evansville in the residence they built in 1950. Art, along with his three brothers, founded Deig Bros. Construction in 1954, where Art served as president until his retirement in 1988. He was a journeyman electrician and member of IBEW Local #16. He also was a member of the Hadi Shrine, American Legion Funkhouser Post and VFW. His interests included hunting and UE basketball. With his wife, Jerry, he also enjoyed square and round dancing. Art was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. He maintained an active lifestyle throughout his life and lived independently at the house he built. Arthur will be missed by his family, and the many friends and business associates whose lives he touched. He will remain ever present in our hearts. Art was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Geraldine; parents, Oscar and Eleonore (Wolf) Deig; and brothers, Alfred, Marion and Erwin Deig. He is survived by his children, Diana (Jim) Kemper, David Deig, and Denise Deig; and grandsons, Judd and Jason Kemper. Funeral services were held 1:00 PM Saturday, June 13, 2015, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2227 W. Michigan St., Evansville, IN 47712, officiated by Pastor Lynn Marino, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends visited Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Alexander West Chapel, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church.