Arthur "Art" Van Riessen, age 94, of Blair, WI formerly of Sioux Center, IA, passed away in his home on March 6, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Art was born on June 12, 1931, on a farm west of Sioux Center, IA to Gerrit and Alice (Vos) Van Riessen. The family later moved into Sioux Center, where Art attended school and graduated from Sioux Center High School.

On June 12, 1952, Art married Joan Den Herder at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center. The couple began their life together in Primghar, IA, where they lived for a year and a half before returning to Sioux Center. There they made their home and began raising their three children, Gary, Robert and Miriam.

In 1955, Art became a partner in North Side Body Shop with Irv De Vos. The two worked side by side until 1974, when Art became the sole owner. Art had a lifelong passion for cars, which was evident in the pride and craftsmanship he brought to his work at the body shop. In 1994, his son, Rob, became the owner of North Side Body Shop and Art continued to work part-time until the age of 86. Today, the family legacy continues as Rob's son, Bret, carries on the three-generation business, which has now been serving the community for 71 years.

Art and Joan enjoyed traveling with friends and spending time outdoors. Art especially loved fishing and camping, and many summers were spent at their camper at Cutty's Resort in Okoboji, where they also volunteered for eight years.

Throughout their married life, Art and Joan lived in several communities, including Primghar, Orange City and Sioux Center. In July 2025, they moved to Blair, WI, to live with their daughter Miriam and her husband Kelly, who lovingly cared for Art until his passing.

Those who knew him best and will miss him most include his wife of nearly 74 years, Joan Van Riessen of Blair, WI; his children, Gary and Roxanne Van Riessen of Blue Springs, MO, Robert "Rob" and Pamela Van Riessen of Sioux Center, IA and Miriam and Kelly Haarsma of Blair, WI. He is also survived by eight living grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and his sister-in-law, Ruth and her husband, Leon Koster of Sioux City, IA.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; two very special grandsons, Dustin and Craig Haarsma; his brother, John, and sister-in-law, Carol Van Riessen; sister-in-law, Geneva, and her husband, Bernard Bomgaars; and sister-in-law, Dorothy, and her husband, Chris Wynja.

Art will be cremated, with memorial services planned for a later date.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."