Arthur Edward Meinholz

Arthur Edward Meinholz, age 67, of Ashton passed away unexpectedly at home following an apparent heart attack on Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

Art was born in Madison on August 31st, 1958, to William and Dorothy (Miller) Meinholz. Art was a graduate of St. Peter Catholic School, Middleton High School and UW Farm and Industry Short Course. He spent his school years as a proud member of 4-H and FFA. He was chased and caught by the love of his life by Lori Maier. They married on November 20th, 1982, at St John’s Catholic Church.

Art grew up on his family farm. As the baby of the family, he grew up in the barn and has been there ever since. He could often be found until wee hours of the night in the barn office. He was a very accomplished and dedicated dairy farmer and advocate for the dairy industry. He enjoyed hosting tours during World Dairy Expo of fellow farmers from all over the world, UW Madison vet school students, and international groups.

Art was dedicated to his community as a board member of the Town of Springfield for over 15 years. He held board positions for the Waunakee EMS and Middleton Fire Department. He was also a member of the Yahara Pride board.

Art and Lori enjoyed time together whether it was a quick getaway to go antiquing or pick up farm parts and find an Old Chicago. They enjoyed watching movies from the comfort of their recliners and discussing their good finds with loved ones. He also never shied away from talking about his grandchildren.

Art is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Lori; children Lee (Megan), Tracy (Logan) Thomas, and Sami Smith; grandchildren, Liam and Mila Meinholz, Forrest Thomas and Dane and Cooper Smith. He is also survived by his brothers Louie (Joanne) and Eugene (Jenny), in-laws, Kathy Barman, Kevin (Jane)Maier, Scott (Daun)Maier, Keith (Lynn)Maier and treasured friends, Amanda Korsmo, Phil, Faylynn and Danilee Theis. And beloved cat Miss Pickles.

Art is preceded in death by his parents William and Dorthy Meinholz, brothers Raymond, Walter and Albert, sister-in-law, Nancy Meinholz, brother-in-law, Bob Barman and father and mother-in-law Linus and Ruth Ann Maier.

Funeral services will be held on Monday Feb. 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St Peter Catholic Church, 7121 County Trunk K Middleton. Friends may call at the church on Sunday Feb 1, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place in the church cemetery

Art’s final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through tissue donation. In lieu of plants please purchase yourself something from eBay in honor of Art’s love of eBay.

Please share your memories of Arthur by posting in his guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI