Arthur E. Taute, 86, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Hospice chaplain Marie Lykken will officiate. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars with a time of fellowship to follow at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with the family present from 5-7 p.m.

Arthur Eugene Taute was born on August 30, 1928 in Sioux City, Iowa to Arthur L. and Christina (Brouwer) Taute whom he lovingly called Mother and Father. Three older sisters, Mary Ellen, Gertrude, and LaVerne adored their baby brother. They were raised in the Leeds area of Sioux City during a time when “everybody knew everybody” and “kids made their own fun.” At the age of one, Eugene was crowned “King of Leeds” and “was hauled around in a wagon.” Later in life when his eyesight prevented him from driving, he could be seen pulling a red wagon from his home in LeMars to the local Fareway and back.

Eugene attended school at Hawthorne Elementary and Leeds High School. On December 15, 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army. Eugene served with the Army for two years with a building and wrecking unit and attained the rank of Corporal. He then worked with his father at the International Milling Company in St. Paul, Minnesota after the mill in Leeds burned down.

On June 2, 1955, Eugene and Irene Ida Wiener were united in marriage in Sioux City. On December 12, 1955, Eugene joined the Air Force and served at various bases throughout the United States and he also served in Korea and Vietnam. It was like Christmas for their family when Irene and Eugene came home to visit! His final duty station was with the 305th Transportation Squadron at Grissom Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana. Eugene retired as a Staff Sergeant on January 31, 1975. He was a member of Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion in Le Mars and was recently honored by Hospice of Siouxland for his military service.

Eugene’s family is proud of him, not only for his service to his country, but also because he seized the opportunity to earn his general educational diploma (GED). He continued his education and graduated from Western Iowa Tech Community College. He worked for Wells Fargo as an armored truck driver for 22 years before retiring.

Eugene was his father’s son, he always had candy on hand and delighted in sharing it. He had pet cockatiels, Claude and Claudette, and was devoted to the dogs that found their way into his heart, including Mitzi and Noozer. He kept the neighborhood squirrels and birds well fed. Eugene enjoyed eating at Milwaukee Wiener House, especially when his aunt Viola was working.

Left to cherish fond memories of Eugene are his sister, Anna LaVerne Walston of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law, Gail Wiener; nieces and nephews on the Taute and Wiener side of the family; and special neighbors, Mark and Janelle Heimgartner and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene on October 8, 1983; sisters, Mary Ellen Raymond and Gertrude Wiener; sisters and brothers-in law; and several nieces and nephews who were all special to him.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.