Never one to follow convention, Arthur waited until later in life to marry. At 49, he found love with Betty Ann, and a sense of new purpose in helping raise her four daughters after the loss of their father, Joseph Hoffman. Betty often tells the story that before Joseph passed, he once said, “Mr. Arthur would make someone a good husband.” He was right.

■ LEOPOLD, 15 Arthur stepped into their lives with quiet strength, and a heart full of love. He proved himself to be a devoted husband and father figure, not by perfection but by presence — choosing to love and lead, even when it was hard. Blessed with a “second crop,” his family then continued to grow. He and Betty welcomed two more daughters together, Chrissy and Debbie, and they were the apples of his eye. Over the years, his joy multiplied with the arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arthur was a lifelong farmer, helping establish and sustain Leopold Brothers Farm and later Leopold Grain, Inc., a family- run business that served local growers for decades. He was also a skilled carpenter— when he wasn’t in the field, you could usually find him in his workshop, making furniture to donate to the Church picnic, constructing a new birdhouse for his cherished purple martins, or devising a way to deliver the latest project his family had requested.

Arthur was a man of deep faith, who found joy in serving the Church, following Christ, and living out the Gospel through his work and acts of service. A lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish, he served as a Eucharistic Minister for over 50 years and participated in both weekly and nocturnal adoration for just as long.

He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the St. Joseph’s Society. In 2024, Colorado County Soil and Water Conservation District honored him with the Farmer of the Year Award just one year after he finally agreed to retire from the combine at the age of 92.

Arthur’s unwavering sense of purpose, beloved family, and trust in the Lord sustained him throughout his life. It was this profound passion—to the land, his community, and his creator — that kept him going, long past the years many would have slowed down. Arthur’s legacy is one of devotion, grit, and grace — planted deep in the hearts and minds of those who loved him, like the seeds he sowed year after year.

One of Arthur’s favorite pastimes was teaching his family to play Tarok, using the same old card deck he once played with his father, siblings, and friends. More often than not, the game ended in laughter, confusion, and no real idea of who had won. But for Arthur, that was never the point. It was about being together and keeping a tradition alive through joy and connection.

Arthur is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Betty Ann (Kacal) Leopold, daughters, Valerie Drlik, Allison Herrera (Al), Lori Rathburn (Corky), Marsha Faichtinger (Dean), Chrissy Leopold Wager (Christopher Wager, Jr.) and Debbie Leopold (Patrick Boersma); grandchildren, Melissa Ray, Keith Drlik, Audrey Williams, Rachel Hahn, Tammera Torres, Melanie Falcon, Tyler and Sydney Faichtinger; great-grandchildren, Becca and Seth Ray, Damien Williams, Maci Hahn, Anayah and Gabriel Torres; sister, Bernice Popp; brothers, Aloysius Leopold (Agnes) and Frederick “Fritz” Leopold (Cathy) and sister-in-law, Pauline Labay Leopold.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Regina Beck (John), Elizabeth Schoellman (Henry “Ted”), Martha Goertz (Henry), Agatha Gold (Albert), Beatrice Schoellman (Walter) and Margaret Ciarella (Sam); brothers, Clarence Leopold (Jeannie) and Joe Leopold; brother-in-law, Joe Popp; son-in-law, Charles Drlik and great-granddaughter, Amaris Marie.

The funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nada on Thursday, April 24, with Rev. Martin Leopold and Rev. Peter Yeboah-Amanfo concelebrating with Deacon Dusty Leopold. Arthur was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Arthur was born, lived and died in Nada—on the very land his Swiss-born grandfather purchased in 1890. Remaining at home in his final years was deeply important to him, and it was made possible by the constant, loving care of his faithful wife, Betty.

Her vigilance ensured that Arthur stayed rooted in the place he loved most, surrounded by the life they built together. In the end, he moved peacefully from the comforts of home to his eternal resting place.

Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.triskafuneralhome.com.