Arthur Veigulis

September 6, 1944- November 4, 2025

Arthur Veigulis was born on September 6, 1944, in Riga, Latvia during a bomb raid. Arthur came into the world at a time of great uncertainty and global unrest, an era marked by hardship and displacement during WWII. His birth in Riga gave him a connection to a proud Latvian heritage, as he was a member of the Latvian Society in Des Moines, Iowa. Arthur arrived in America with his family at the age of six and was fluent in six languages. He married Susan Marie (Bullock) Veigulis on November 6, 1965, and lived in Altoona, Iowa for fifty-three years where they raised their four children, Lynda (John) Bellizzi, Michael (Kimberly)VeiguIis, Antonia Veigulis, and Alex Veigulis. Arthur was also survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.

Arthur in his younger years built many sizable houses in and around the area with a Family-owned business. As he loved to work with his hands, he was a welder for 20 years with Campbells, Brady's and Erickson's Displays. He loved to stay busy; in his later years he obtained a horticulture license and retired after 13 years as a Methodist Hospital grounds keeper.

Arthur's vision of a life well lived was with his family. Always was helping, holding, laughing, teaching and just being present in their lives in any way his mind and soul was able. His unconditional love, support, and non-judgmental devotion was transparent. He was a kind and gentle Father, who could be counted on and trusted. He read many books to his children, helped with homework, encouraged fishing, hunting and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Arthur lived for his grandchildren and looked forward to their visits. He would have a snack tray ready with sardines, crackers and French bread cut up. He made the best pancakes. After school pickups and before school drop offs, he was always ready with open arms. He made sure the kiddos didn't have to walk in the snow. He always emphasizing making what you do today matter and living in the moment.

His routine was always the same, waking up in the early morning hours (even in retirement) to watch the sun rise, cook breakfast, and after would go outside to tend the flowers, feed the birds and the squirrels. He liked to watch the world evolve with politics and outdoor shows.

Even on his worst days with some of his ground in stubbornness, he wasn't that bad. The type of person who didn't contribute to a meeting if he didn't have something important to say, otherwise, he would just listen. Arthur was charismatic with a great sense of humor (can't explain his humor, you just find yourself giggling right along with him), and high moral values. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, always encouraging and supporting them in everything they did. He will be missed greatly by his family. He would say, "What matters now is now, because when I am gone, I am gone," it is just a part of life

Atceräsimies viou müägi. (We will remember him forever.)

No services are planned at this time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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