Arthur E. Birdseye
Monday, January 16, 1939
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Age:
84 years old
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday August 12, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Celebration Of Life
There will be a celebration/luncheon immediately following the memorial service in the River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home from 3:00pm ~ 7:00pm.
Live stream link: CLICK HERE
Monday, January 16, 1939
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Age:
84 years old
Monday, January 16, 1939
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Age:
84 years old
Arthur E. Birdseye
Arthur, “Art” Birdseye, 84, died peacefully August 2nd, 2023, from his ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Art was born on January 16th, 1939, to Roger and Lois Birdseye. He grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota. After High School he went on to the University of SD to play football for one year. On August 23, 1958, he was united in marriage to Maryann Heintzman. After Arts graduation, they moved to Bloomington, MN where he would begin his career in the petroleum business.
Art and Maryann moved to Rochester, MN in 1967 with their 3 children and bought their first home. Art and Scott Fritz would begin a business partnership that would start as Scotts Gas &Oil, Inc and in 1971 become B& F Distributing. In 1977 Scott retired and Art would continue to grow the company. He became involved in a variety of businesses, expanding into several states. Art believed in hard work and credited his employees for the success of the businesses.
Art enjoyed time at the cabin in Wacouta, winters in Florida, traveling, golfing, and his motorcycle trips with his good friends. He was involved in several organizations, always believing in giving back to the community and schools. But nothing brought him more joy than being with family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life. His family will remember how he was constantly present with an infectious smile on his face and generosity to welcome everyone.
Art is survived by his children: Barb (John) Jensen and Steve (Lisa) Birdseye; Siblings: Carol (Lyle) Tobin and Bonnie Birdseye Caywood; Grandchildren: Julie (Mike) Pehler, Matthew (Chelsee) Jensen, Nicholas (Alyssa) Jensen, Baihly (Conor) Ruf, Brooklyn Birdseye, and Arthur “AJ” Birdseye; Great-Grandchildren: Mason, Keegan, Adalyn, McKenzee, Carter, Tucker, Lily, and Baby Ruf (Due in September).
Art is preceded in death by his wife Maryann, son Michael “Biker” Birdseye, and brother, Keith Birdseye.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Waters on Mayowood and Mayo Hospice for the care and comfort they provided to Art.
A memorial service will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on August 12th, 2023, at 2pm followed by a celebration of life from 3pm-7pm in the River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Arthur and Maryann Birdseye Scholarship at Lourdes High School or Friends of Oxbow.
Condolences
The family of Arthur E. Birdseye has received the following condolences.
We offer our most sincere condolences to the Birdseye family, and extended family. Art was a giant among men who was an unprecedented teacher, mentor and friend.
He fostered confidence, and educated but bold risk taking. He supported and encouraged ordinary people to become someone and something much greater than they otherwise would have been.
Thank you Art for being such a great mentor and supportive friend.
RICH & DEB FITZGERALD
Our deepest sympathies. Your parents hold a special place in our hearts. Many fond memories.
Love
Ann and Steve Felton
Fond memories have been generational for our families...
New memories will be made for years to come...
Tomorrow, we will be with you in spirit as you celebrate a life well lived!
Until we all meet again...in one form or another.
Peace be with you all very soon.
Our love,
The Clarks' & Bjores'
My heart breaks for all of you
What fantastic memories you will always have
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Fond and Fun Memories working at the gas stations as a teenager in the 70's. Still have the motorcycle lift I bought from you several years ago. Was always a pleasure to meet you. Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Birdseye family.
Art was a true gentleman. A man to be respected and admired for his many successes in life but even more so for his integrity, virtue, humility, and devotion to family and friends. He was such an inspiration. He always made me feel welcome in his home and treated me with utmost kindness. A celebration of Art and the beautiful life he lived will undoubtedly leave us all with tears for how much he will be missed, joy for having known and loved him, and hope for reunion with him some day.
Art’s legacy will endure through his amazing family who have been blessed to be impacted by such an extraordinary man.
This world has lost a truly incredible gentleman.
Respectfully,
Scott Spiten
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Birdseye family.
Art was a true gentleman. A man to be respected and admired for his many successes in life but even more so for his integrity, virtue, humility, and devotion to family and friends. He was such an inspiration. He always made me feel welcome in his home and treated me with utmost kindness. A celebration of Art and the beautiful life he lived will undoubtedly leave us all with tears for how much he will be missed, joy for having known and loved him, and hope for reunion with him some day.
Art’s legacy will endure through his amazing family who have been blessed to be impacted by such an extraordinary man.
This world has lost a truly incredible gentleman.
Respectfully,
Scott Spiten
My heartfelt condolences for all of Art’s beloved family and friends.
Art had a heart of absolute pure gold. I will forever cherish our heartfelt talks together, his loving kindness, his encouragement and wise counsel. He was my tender-hearted “Rock of Gibraltar.”
I will sure miss that mega-watt smile and hearty laugh! He absolutely lit up a room with his beautiful spirit and charm! Art will forever have a huge piece of my heart.
Love and prayers for the family and all who loved Art. May God comfort you and also provide you with a smile amid the tears at the thought of the joyful reunion occurring in heaven as Art arrived with that big mega-watt dimpled smile :)
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps 34:18
Catie Spiten
Art will always have a special place in my heart. He was a true gentleman with the kindest heart. I will never forget him. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Art was such a generous, kind, and loving gentleman. He always brought sunshine to my day at The Waters
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the Birdseye family as you mourn the loss of Art. He was a wonderful man. ?❤️?
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the Birdseye family as you mourn the loss of Art. He was a wonderful man. ?❤️?