Services for Arthur H. Gottsch, 97, of Elkhorn, who died November 13, 1994, at Elkhorn Manor, were Wednesday, November 16, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. Rev. Mark Fry officiated. Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Arthur H. Gottsch was born March 8, 1897, to Benhardt and Helena Gottsch on the family farm in Washington County. He is the second oldest of eight children, he grew up on the family farm and attended rural schooling.

He was baptized as an infant in the German speaking Lutheran congregation in rural Bennington.

After completing his education, he continued working on the farm until he met and married Mary Huber January 9, 1919.

He spent time in the produce business as an egg distributor and deliverer working for Miller’s. Following the death of the Millers, he went into the produce business on his own, distributing and delivering eggs to Brandeis and some of the large hotels in Omaha.

He and his wife moved to Elkhorn in the 1940s and farmed their own land. About 1944, they moved into town.

While living in Elkhorn, he was mayor from 1958-1972, working hard to resist Omaha’s efforts at annexation and striving to keep the city of Elkhorn debt-free. He also served on the Douglas County Little League of Municipalities and modernized Elkhorn’s water system, paved streets, built new homes and a new town hall and helped see that the volunteer fire department got equipment and gear.

He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Elkhorn, and “Plau Deutsch”, a German fraternal organization. He was also an honorary member of the Nebraska Navy, an honor given to outstanding citizens and community servants at recognition for their involvement and service.

Failing health forced him to move into the Elkhorn Manor about a month prior to his death.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in January of 1987; his parents, Benhardt and Helen Gottsch; four brothers, Ben, Charlie, Harlan and Glenn and one sister, Katherine.

He is survived by three daughters, Opal (Mrs. Gil) Stork of Blair; Betty Travis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Rosemary Christopherson of Omaha; five sons, Arthur Gottsch of Wahoo, Pat Gottsch, Robert Gottsch and Virgil Gottsch, all of Elkhorn and Lyle Gottsch of Arlington; three sisters, Roma Dreshler, Mabel Gottsch and Bernita Gottsch, all of Omaha; 34 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Pallbearers wee Bob Gottsch, Jr., Brett Gottsch, Donny Gottsch, Mickey Gottsch, Rob Gottsch and Gordon Stork.

Honorary bearers were Kori Abboud, Bill Andresen, Werner Mueller, Dan Murphy, Frank Roza, Paul Spilman, Al Staben, Wes Williams and Denny Witt.

Cathy McKinley was organist.

Reichmuth Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.