Arthur Eugene Dexter Iv

Arthur E. Dexter IV, known as Art, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family, on June 20, 2024, at 5:20 p.m. at Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn, WI. Art was 65 years old. He was born on June 22, 1958, in Melrose Park, IL, to Arthur E. Dexter III and Sandra Siddons.

Art's life was marked by his exceptional creativity and steadfast work ethic. During the 1970s, he honed his skills at Leisure & Recreational Products (LRP) in Lake Geneva, where he gained renown for his unique and highly customized van designs, featuring hand-airbrushed artwork and intricate pinstriping. His career path later led him to Geneva Vans, where he excelled as the paint division manager for over 15 years. Afterward, Art transitioned to sign making and vehicle lettering, creating custom logos and graphic designs that established brand identities for countless small businesses until his retirement in 2022.

In his youth, Art was passionate about sports, particularly baseball, and he was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs. As an adult, he generously shared his love for the game by coaching his son's little league team, earning the affectionate nickname "Big Art" from his players. During this time, Art dedicated himself to physical fitness; he became a fixture at the local YMCA and achieved his goal of running the Lake Geneva Marathon in under four hours. Later in life, Art would continue to challenge his mind, body and willpower through extended periods of fasting, including a remarkable 40-day "Moses Fast."

Art was a man of deep intellect and curiosity, an avid reader with an impressive library of philosophical, religious, metaphysical, and political works, as well as literary classics like "War and Peace," "Atlas Shrugged," and "The Brothers Karamazov." He delighted in sharing his knowledge and perspectives through engaging conversations with friends and family. In the 2000s, Art undertook the study of Spanish, becoming fluent in the language.

Known for his kindness, patience, and remarkable sense of humor, Art was a cherished friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Art is survived by his loving wife Rosa Dexter; his brothers Kenneth, Bradley, Scott, Patrick and Glenn; his sister Donna; his children Art Dexter, Aaron Dexter, Andrea Dexter, Michael Bowman, and Jason Bowman; his stepchildren Daniel Silva and Giovanna Klauer; and his grandchildren Skyler Lee, River Hawthorne, Adrian Dexter, Isabele Dexter, Talia Dexter, Ryan Bowman, Joshua Bowman, Mira Bowman, Sebastian Rodarte and Ailany Rodarte.

A funeral service will be held for Art on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., continuing until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Art's name to support the family during this difficult time.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Art's family.