Arthur F. Hoeltzer III, best known as “Art,” was the kind of person who left an impression—not because he sought attention, but because he was someone people could depend on. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. To the people who loved him most, he was a steady presence, a protector, and someone who you could always count on.

A union pipefitter by trade, Art was also a fixer in nearly every sense of the word. He was the kind of man who could be counted on when something needed repairing, figuring out, or simply getting done. He inherited his knack for working with his hands from his dad, but his instinct to take care of people ran even deeper. After experiencing profound loss early in life, he became a source of strength and support for his mom and sister, stepping into the role of protector and problem-solver when they needed him most.

Art had a tough exterior and a soft heart, a combination that those closest to him were privileged to know. He was fiercely loyal and deeply protective of the people he considered his own. If you were part of his family, you were part of his responsibility—and his love.

His four nieces and nephews held a particularly special place in his heart. He treated them as his own, and they looked to him as a second dad. His presence in their lives was one of the many ways he showed that family wasn't simply something you were born into; it was something you showed up for.

Outside of family, Art had a few enduring loyalties of his own: the Chicago Bears, classic rock, a cold Diet Pepsi, and dogs were among his favorites. His love of dogs was so strong that his two loyal German Shepherds were fittingly named Pepsi and Bear—an unmistakable reflection of two things he loved dearly.

Art leaves behind the kind of legacy that can't be captured by a list of accomplishments. It lives in the people he protected, the problems he solved, the family he cared for, and the people who knew they could count on him.

Art was tough when life required it, tender when people needed it, and loyal, always.

To those who knew him best, Art wasn't simply the guy who could fix things.

Art was the guy you knew would show up.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Art passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2026 at the age of 66. While his final chapter was marked by illness, it will never define the life he lived or the person he was. Bear was one of the many things that brought him comfort, companionship, and joy. Art will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He is survived by his mother, Charlain Hoeltzer, sister, Deborah Kowalkowski, nephews, Joseph (Jessica) and Bryan (Nicole), nieces, Sarah (Jack) and Hannah, great niece, Lillian, great nephews, Joseph, William and Cameron, and his dog and best bud, Bear. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Hoeltzer Jr., brother, Bryan Hoeltzer, and brother-in-law, Joseph Kowalkowski.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Friday, September 25th, 2026, from 3:30pm until time of service at 7:30pm. Inurnment will be private.

In keeping with one of his favorite things, the family invites those attending Art’s celebration of life to wear Chicago Bears gear or blue and orange in his memory. It would be a fitting way to honor a team he proudly supported and a little piece of the personality that made him who he was.