- Arthur Plantz Remley was born July 2, 1917, in the last available room in the old two story Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin, son of Adam C. and Elsie Plantz Remley of Appleton, Wisconsin. He grew up in Appleton on or near the campus of Lawrence University, with which his family had been associated since 1880 and where his maternal grandfather, Samuel Plantz, served for thirty years (1894-1924) as Lawrence's seventh President. Upon graduation from Appleton High School in 1934, he attended DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, on a four year scholarship. Arthur's great-grandfather, Rev. Thomas A. Goodwin of Indianapolis, Indiana, was a member of DePauw University's first graduating class in 1840. After graduating from DePauw in 1938, he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Law School. During his law school career, Arthur became an associate editor of the Wisconsin Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif (honorary scholastic legal society). In 1941, Arthur commenced his law practice with the Appleton, Wisconsin, law firm of Benton Bosser Becker and Parnell, with whom he was associated until 1947. During World War II, he served for three and a half years as an officer in the United States Naval Intelligence Service. On August 29, 1942, Art married Catharine Merriman Beals (Katie), a native of Neenah, and a granddaughter of F. C. Shattuck, one of the founders of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. They were married almost 59 years, until Katie's death on July 29, 2001. During their marriage they shared a passion for traveling, including a trip to remote interior regions of China and several trips to Russia and Europe. As a couple, they also proudly served the Neenah and Appleton area as community volunteers. Special times were had in their home on the Fox River in Neenah, hosting family and friends. After his discharge from the Navy at the end of World War II, Arthur moved to Neenah, where he practiced law for over four decades. From 1947-1957, Art practiced law with John W. O'Leary and E. C. Joyce in a firm known as O'Leary Joyce and Remley. In 1957, he withdrew from the O'Leary firm and established his own Neenah firm which became known as Remley and Sensenbrenner, S.C. Arthur became well-known in the practice of law, particularly in the fields of estate planning, probate, trust, tax, and corporate law. He was a member of the American Bar Association, and the Wisconsin State and the Winnebago County (Past President) Bar Associations. He was also a fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel and a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys. In addition to an extensive legal practice, Arthur was very active in numerous educational and philanthropic endeavors. He was particularly proud of his service with Lawrence University with which his family had been associated for more than a century. Art was elected to the Board of Trustees of Lawrence in 1952, and served for 40 years. He was chairman of the board during the Vietnam War era, and was a member of the Executive Committee for 39 years, as well as its Secretary and legal counsel for over 30 years. In 1993, he was elected an Emeritus Trustee of Lawrence. While serving as a trustee, he played an important role in Lawrence's consolidation of Milwaukee-Downer College and in the acquisition of Bjorklunden Estate in Door County. Arthur was the last surviving founder of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Neenah, an internationally known glass and paperweight museum and served for many years as an officer, director and legal counsel. He was a founding director of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Region, Inc. and served as its first President. Art was one of the early directors and officers of the Neenah-Menasha Community Chest, predecessor of the United Way, one of the organizers of Neenah's Little League, and legal advisor to the Neenah-Menasha Boys Brigade Association and the Neenah Menasha Visiting Nurse Association. A particular interest was the development and improvement of Neenah's Riverside Park where he helped the city of Neenah acquire additional land for the park along the Fox River harbor on the north side of East Wisconsin Avenue. He also played a role in the park's acquisition of the "Playing in the Rain" fountain. He was a past president of the Neenah Rotary Club and as a member for 48 years Art played a role in getting women to be allowed membership in the organization. An avid sports fan, Art's particular interest was tennis which he started playing at the age of 12. He was a life-member of the United States Tennis Association, Super-Senior Tennis Inc. and the Fox Cities Racquet Club of Appleton. He played competitive singles well into his 70's and attained state, Midwest and national rankings in the senior division. He was a determined competitor on the court. Arthur also loved his Green Bay Packers. Art (Papa) will be missed by his family. He loved telling stories and always relished a well told joke. He loved to laugh. He was an extremely diligent worker, always doing his very best whether for a client, friend or family member. Arthur will also be missed by the community of Neenah which he served so well.
He is survived by a daughter, Sarah Beals Remley (Sally) of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; and a son Thomas Plantz Remley (Tom), daughter-in-law, Colleen Cahill Remley (Colly) and two grandchildren, Virginia Townsend Remley (Tawna) and Nathaniel Shattuck Remley (Nate), all of Green Bay. Art also leaves a brother, Samuel Goodwin Remley of North Providence Rhode Island; a niece Cindy and nephew Christopher.
Memorial services will be held next week and announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Lawrence University or to the City of Neenah Public Library.
WESTGOR FUNERAL HOME
205 W. Doty Ave.
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1917 - Abt 2007 (89 years)
Education - High School
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