Arthur Henry "Art" Timmermann

Arthur Henry “Art” Timmermann, 95, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

He was born on December 7, 1930, in Aviston, IL, at home on the family farm, to Henry and Mary (nee Koelker) Timmermann.

Art married Barbara Au on August 7, 1954, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Highland Falls, NY. They shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until her death on September 4, 2010. He later married Darlene Noeltner Rehkemper on July 14, 2012, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, and they shared a happy life together for over 13 years.

He grew up on the family’s Aviston farm with his parents and sisters. After serving in the United States Army at West Point, Art returned home and worked at Mallinckrodt for 2 years. He then began a 35-year career at Alton Boxboard, later Smurfit Stone, while building a life centered on family, faith, and service.

He was deeply involved in St. Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where he was a Fourth-Degree member. Over the years, he was named Knight of the Month ten times and recognized with Family of the Month six times. Art spent years volunteering, especially working fish fries during Lent, helping with Bingo nights, and supporting efforts for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. He was the longtime caretaker of St. Joseph Cemetery, devoting countless hours to its upkeep, including digging graves by hand. His dedication to St. Paul’s Kirchenfest led to him being named Honorary Chairperson in 2009. In September 2022, he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he was recognized for his military service.

Art stayed active throughout his life. He enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle and euchre, and had a gift for working through complex math problems in his head. He kept a large garden and was known for sharing his vegetables with others. He was skilled with his hands and spent many hours woodworking, taking great pride in having built his family’s home on Michael Road. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether with farming, carpentry, or whatever needed to be done. Art always insisted on doing things the right way. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, including trips across the country and to Europe. Art so loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took a genuine interest in their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Timmermann; his children Bill Timmermann of Waldorf, MD, Suzy (Jesse) Black of Highland, IL, and John (Rachel) Timmermann of Swansea, IL; his grandchildren David (Erin) Timmermann, Katie (Adam) Cadwalader, Stephanie (Chris) Black Mendenhall, Alex Black, Joshua (Teresa) Timmermann, Jordan (Corinne) Timmermann, Jillian (Kevin) Green, Gabrielle Gebhardt, and Zachary Gebhardt; and his great-grandchildren Elora Timmermann, Katharine Cadwalader, Joseph Cadwalader, Carter Mendenhall, Presley Black, Olivia Black, Maverick Black, Logan Timmermann, Althea Timmermann, and Amaryllis Timmermann.

He is also survived by Darlene’s children, Carla (Jay) Wildhaber, Connie (Brian) Farmer, and Cheryl (Jerry) Holtzclaw, as well as her grandchildren and their families, all of whom loved him dearly and were very special to him.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara Timmermann; his siblings Alvira (Joseph) Poettker, Frances (Virgil) Ratermann, and Florence (Francis) Huelsmann; sister-in-law Patrice (Darwin) Oswald; brother-in-law John Grant; and Darlene’s son, Ronnie Rehkemper.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Education Foundation.

Visitation: Monday, March 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 8:00 to 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 10:30 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

A luncheon will follow burial at the Highland Knights of Columbus Hall.