Gottschalk, Arthur R.
Arthur R. Gottschalk, age 95, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2020 with his family by his side. Born in Chicago, he was a resident of Frankfort, formerly of Park Forest, Flossmoor and Naples, Florida. Arthur is survived by his beloved wife Norma (nee Schaloske); devoted daughters Betsy
Gottschalk, Nancy G. Murphy, and Sally (late Sam) Cimmarusti; cherished grandfather of David (fiancé Breanne McGarvie) Cimmarusti and Amy (Cameron) Gunderson; and proud great grandfather of Cole, Reed and Lena Gunderson. He is the loving son of the late Charles and late Esther (Roseberg) Gottschalk; fond brother of the late Charles V. (late Jeanette “Jan”) Gottschalk; and kind uncle of Jordis (William) Jacobs, Ardis (Joel) Puleo and Erica Williams.
As a veteran of the United States Army, Arthur served in World War II in the 4th Infantry Division, 29th Field Artillery Battalion, landing on Utah Beach on D-Day. He fought three major battles and received the Purple Heart. Afterward he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he met his beloved wife of 70 years, Norma. Upon graduation he was admitted to the Illinois bar. Arthur worked for Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation, progressing from general counsel to vice president. He served as a police magistrate of Park Forest,
where he established the use of community service for young people to work off their fines. Arthur served as an Illinois State Senator from 1960-1969, during which he was a chief sponsor of legislation creating the Department of Business & Economic Development and the Department of Children & Family Services; he wrote the Credit Reform Laws of 1967, enacted antipollution laws designed to save Lake Michigan, and sponsored legislation to protect disabled veterans and foster excellence in the healthcare industry.
Arthur served as a lobbyist with the aim of best representing the concerns of businesses and industries in Illinois. He represented a variety of clients, including Mobil Oil, the Urban Counties Council of Illinois, the Illinois Food Processors’ Association, Illinois Bell, and Motorola. Later, Arthur was President of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, where he promoted economic expansion and growth for Illinois manufacturing. In addition, he served on the board of directors for numerous organizations, including the Illinois Masonic Hospital and Kemper Insurance.
Arthur had a commanding presence, charismatic personality and he lit up the room when he entered. His loved ones miss his wisdom, humor, strength of character, gifted storytelling, smooth singing voice, and warm hugs.
Services in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 18 at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchinson Road in Flossmoor, Illinois, with visitation at 11 AM and the service at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Flossmoor Community Church.