Arthur Droste

Arthur Charles Droste, 84, of St. Louis, and formerly of Ithaca, MI passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Masonic Pathways surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 3-7 P.M., and again on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the Doig Chapel - Masonic Pathways, Alma, MI at 10 A.M. with a Memorial Service at 11 A.M. with Pastor Steve Swem officiating.

Art was born September 21, 1934 in Fowler, MI to Donald and Laurina (Werner) Droste.  He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns, MI, with the class of 1953. On June 11, 1955, Art married Patricia Ann Holton, his dancing partner and love of his life for 64 years.

Art had 7 siblings: Lucille Howard, Jim Droste, Donna Karber, Roy Droste, Julaine Snater, Richard “Mick” Droste, and Paul Droste.

Art and Pat have 7 children: Diane (David) Spieker, Laura (James) Hirschman, David (Trina) Droste, Donn Droste, Richard (Sheila) Droste, Darin (Karen) Droste, and Jayne Droste.

Art had 14 grandchildren: Jacob (Stacy) Hirschman, Jessica (Kevin) Schubring, Luke (Taylor) Hirschman, Ho (Sarah) Choi, Nick Droste, Logan Droste, Garret (Jodi) Doyle, Curtis Doyle, Justin Doyle, Rachel Droste, Taylor Droste, Jenny (Jed) Carlson, Ivan Loviska, and Jack Loviska.

Art had 5 great grandchildren: Andrew Hirschman, Henry Hirschman, Maggie Hirschman, Hannah Schubring, and Mason Loviska.

Art’s career began at Andy’s IGA in St. Johns as a meat cutter. He then moved to Ithaca as store manager at a new IGA supermarket. Art later purchased and operated the Mighty Midget Market in Merrill and IGA Supermarkets in Ithaca, Merrill, and Gladwin. After retiring, Art worked part time selling advertising for the Gratiot County Herald and sold cars for the Chevrolet dealer in Ithaca.

Art enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, snowmobiling, and playing cards with family and friends. His favorite times were spent watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and spending time with his family at the lake. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Ithaca Jaycees.

Art’s outgoing personality and sense of humor made him very popular among the staff at Masonic Pathways during his 2 1/2 year stay. The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Masonic Pathways and especially the 2-North nurses and CNAs for their dedicated and loving care. Art loved them like family! We also wish to thank Dr. Scott Strom, the staff at Alma Family Practice and Elara Hospice for their amazing and compassionate care.

Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Youth for Christ (2550 W. Cheeseman Rd., Alma, MI 48801) or Nativity of Our Lord Parish (510 Prospect Ave., Alma, MI 48801) Online condolences for the family may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.