William Weston Artz was born August 10, 1977 in Hays, Kansas, to Ken & Linda Artz. He completed their family and brought immense joy, light, and laughter into their lives. On Tuesday, November 22, 2016, he passed away unexpectedly at the West Anaheim Medical Center in Anaheim, CA at the age of 39.
Will accepted Jesus as his Lord & Savior at an early age while attending the Englewood Wesleyan Church in Phillips County. As a boy he loved living on the farm next to his Grandma & Grandpa Artz where he enjoyed riding on the tractor with his Grandpa. He also enjoyed raising bucket calves and riding his Welch pony named Sunny Pony. But sometimes Sunny’s disposition wasn’t so sunny, and when Will would get on his back, Sunny Pony would head for the pond and roll in the water, baptizing Will by total immersion.
In the summer of 1983 our family hosted an exchange student, Ola Sjolander, from Kramfors, Sweden. He became like a son to us and brother & friend to Will, and still is to this day. He and his family – wife, Mika, and son, John – are an integral part of our life and Will’s life and memory.
Will was an active member of the Iowa Union 4-H Club and Boy Scouts, was trained and excelled in taekwondo karate, and was actively involved with the City Park Project in Phillipsburg.
Will attended Phillipsburg schools and graduated with the P.H.S. class of 1996. In high school he loved playing football and studying American History. He was fiercely patriotic and proud to be an American. After graduation he attended Fort Hays State University on a track scholarship and graduated with honors in the spring of 2001. Later he trained and worked with the Phillips County EMS, earning an EMT-I status.
In his early adult years he farmed with his Dad, specializing in alfalfa production. Will & Ken also enjoyed their “Harley” trips to Sturgis and Grove, Oklahoma, touring the Green Country Tri-State Area with friends, Ed & Kendra DeClue.
Several years ago Will moved to Orange County, CA where he entered the program offered at “Hope By The Sea”. He completed their program and entered college to become an addiction specialist for the state of California. His license, CATC 3, enabled him to become a counselor, addiction specialist, and friend to many.
One of his closest friends in California, Aaron Estrada, was a monumental force in Will’s life. Sunday mornings would find Will accompanying Aaron’s family to the South Coast Christian Church and on Friday nights attending a faith-based 12-step program.
Since his sudden passing, Will’s Facebook page has been full of messages & testimonials like the following one: “I am at a loss for words right now. You will never know how much I appreciated you for saving my life. You always knew what to say when I was struggling. You saved so many lives from this disease. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed by so many.”
Left to mourn are his loving parents, Ken & Linda Artz of Phillipsburg, KS; his Swedish family, Ola, Mika and John, of Taby, Sweden; his aunt & uncle, Jackie & Steve “Pete” Horacek of Almena, KS; a host of loving cousins and innumerable friends.
Cremation was chosen. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Aaron Rust officiating.
Friends may sign the book from 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday and Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope By The Sea.