Arthur "Art" P. Neilitz

Arthur “Art” P. Neilitz, age 83 of Manitowoc, passed away on Saturday evening, November 22, 2025 at ThedaCare Medical Center of Appleton.

Art was born on March 27, 1942, in Manitowoc, a son of the late Roland and Ione (Kautzer) Neilitz. He grew up in Manitowoc and attended St. Paul’s Catholic grade school. He was a 1960 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School where he played basketball. Following high school, Art received his bachelor’s degree from UW Oshkosh and a master’s degree from Northern Colorado University. On June 3, 1967, Art was married to Elaine M. Larsen at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Art was a mathematics teacher for 33 years, 1 year at Roncalli High School, 2 years at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School, and 30 years at Lincoln High School.

Art was passionate about sports. He started coaching basketball at St. Paul’s Catholic grade school and went on to coach basketball, football, and Manitowoc Legion Baseball. He also was a WIAA referee for basketball, football, and umpired baseball. Art was inducted into the Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame. He was told by former players that he was a big influence in their lives. The love and respect that he had for the boys was more of a reward for him more than they could ever imagine. Art also enjoyed refereeing at the Special Olympics Games in Oshkosh. He was proud to be joined by his son David, and it was his thrill to also be joined by his grandson Sam. Art looked forward to attending Badger football games with his daughter Lori each year. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Survivors include his wife: Elaine Neilitz; two children: David (Anne) Neilitz, Lori Neilitz (Chico); granddaughter: Maddux; grandsons: Sam and Steven; two brothers and sisters-in-law: John (Mary) Neilitz, Paul (Ruth) Neilitz, Sandy Larsen; two sisters and three brothers-in-law: Mary (Mike) Henner, Sherri (Bill) Glandt, Mike Miller; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Art was preceded in death by his parents: Roland and Ione Neilitz; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Holger and Josephine Larsen; four sisters and four brothers-in-law: Janet (Carl) Kaminski, Delores (Ed) Waniger, Carol (Roger) Hastreiter, Joan Miller, Jim Larsen.

A memorial mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi, 1121 N. 14th, Manitowoc. The Rev. Nicholas Stellpflug will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with entombment of his cremated remains at Calvary Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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