Arthur "Art" Holevoet

Arthur (Art) Holevoet, 91, Atkinson, passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Home outside of Geneseo on July 27, 2023. He was joyfully ushered into heaven, his final resting place, by his two siblings who passed before him. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson, IL. Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson Chapel. Memorials may be directed to the Center for Belgian Culture and the Atkinson Historical Society Museum.

Art was born to the late George and Georgette Holevoet in the family home in Cornwall Township, Henry County on April 5, 1932.  He graduated 8th grade from the Brandon Country School. Later, he attended and graduated from Geneseo Township High School in 1950. 

On September 7, 1952, he was drafted into the Army.  He went to Fort Bliss, Texas which was a base for light artillery, followed by eight weeks of leadership training.  He went home during leave prior to reporting to Camp Pendleton to be shipped to Korea on his 21st birthday.  He spent 15 months and 17 days in Korea.  He was on the front line for the first six weeks, and then he was called to the rear because he could type. In the end, he became a supply sergeant. 

Later, he travelled to Belgium as an International Farm Youth Exchange Student through the University of Illinois. While there, he spent time with four wonderful farm families (three Flemish and one Walloon). This cemented his lifelong love of travel and passion for all things Belgian. Over the years, he travelled ten times to Belgium, his home away from home. He was actively involved with and on the board of the Center for Belgian Culture for 40 years. He also enjoyed working with the group Flemings in the World for over 17 years. In 1984, he was very proud to be knighted by the Belgian king in recognition of his efforts.

He was involved with St. Mary of the Fields Church (and Rolle Bolle Rosary) throughout his life, as his mother attended church there as a child. In addition to farming, he worked for many years in the repairs department of furniture stores in Davenport and Kewaunee. In 2000, after he retired, he joined the Korean War Veterans of the Quad Cities, Chapter #168. 

He was a godfather to many and a proud uncle. Gardening, taking care of his kids (goats), reading, and visiting with friends and family were how he passed his time. He was an avid storyteller and was very passionate about his viewpoints. He will truly be missed.

Art is survived by his sister Marylou Robinson, Geneseo, IL and sister-in-law Kathy Holevoet, Mingo, IA, as well as six nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Helen Foote, and brother, Paul Holevoet.