Arthur Herbert

Woytek

Arthur Herbert Woytek, affectionately known as “Papa,” passed away peacefully at his home in New Braunfels, Texas, on November 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86.

Born on July 6, 1940, in Sugar Land, Texas, to Herbert and Margaret Woytek, Arthur moved with his family to Seguin as a child, graduating from Seguin High School in 1957 at the age of 16. Seguin was a community he would eventually return to and serve for much of his life.

A 1963 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Arthur went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from New Mexico State University. He served 20 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Major. His military career included assignments in Alaska and Germany, as well as service as an adviser in the Congo and a tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Toward the end of his Army career, he helped develop the steering system for the Abrams M1 tank, an accomplishment of which he was particularly proud.

Following his military service, Arthur worked as a design engineer for Ford Motor Company before returning to Seguin in 1984. He finished his career in civil service, retiring in 2005. One of the original homeowners at The Bandit at Long Creek, he lived there for more than 25 years until his passing.

Arthur and his beloved wife, Eleanor, spent their retirement traveling with a close-knit circle of friends, dancing on weekends, and giving back to their community. Arthur had a heart devoted to serving others. He volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels, the Seguin Silver Center, the American Legion, and Via de Christo. A lifelong member of the Masons, he earned the Golden Trowel, the highest award a lodge can bestow on an individual member. A man of deep faith, he was a member of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church in Seguin and Peace Lutheran Church in New Braunfels.

An avid golfer and devoted Texas Longhorns football fan, Arthur also discovered a talent for counted cross-stitch later in life, creating beautiful works that his family will treasure for generations.

Above all, Arthur was devoted to his family. Whether helping with a move, tackling a household project, or simply lending a hand, he could always be counted on. When help was needed, Arthur showed up. Deeply patriotic, a man of strong convictions, and steadfast in his faith in Christ, Arthur was a quiet and humble man. While he could sometimes be gruff in manner, beneath that exterior was a generous heart and a deep love for those closest to him.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Margaret Woytek. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children, Margie Maxwell (James), Rebecca Woytek, Debbie Duke, Jennifer Nagel (Tom), Kim Christley-Batchelor (Steve), and Jonathan Woytek (Patricia); his sisters, Anna Falkenberg and Kay Kardos (Michael); 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his memory on Saturday, November 14, at 11:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in New Braunfels.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to either the Seguin Silver Center or Peace Lutheran Church.

Arthur will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his strength of character, generous heart, devotion to his country, and enduring love for his family.