LEWISTON — Arthur Ensio Hertell, 83, of East Bethel Road, passed peacefully surrounded by his family the morning of Sunday, Dec. 24, following a sudden illness. He had been in the ICU of Central Maine Medical Center for a little more than a week.

He was born in West Paris on Aug. 16, 1934, the son of the late Atte and Helen Hertell. He graduated from West Paris High School in 1952, where he was named “peppiest” of his graduating class. He married Earlene Marie Welton on Oct. 1, 1955. They had two daughters and moved to a farm in East Bethel. She tragically succumbed to cancer Jan. 13, 1967. Love of family, work ethic and a sense of humor were traits that Arthur and Earlene shared.

He enjoyed visiting neighbors and friends, attending public suppers, dances, cruise nights and going to the Fryeburg Fair. He belonged to the Finnish American Heritage Society of Maine, Maine Antique Tractor Club, Rumford Lodge of the Elks No. 862, Antique Snowmobile Club of America and the Maine Antique Power Association.

Arthur loved life and had a great many passions and hobbies. He named his farm “The Old Deere Yard,” and proceeded to collect many antique John Deere tractors, lawn mowers, snowmobiles and even pedal tractors. He enjoyed being active by playing football, baseball and basketball in his younger years, and was an avid golfer following high school and well into retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and catching a ball game either on television or down in Boston.

Arthur is survived by his two daughters: Linda Snyder of Auburn and Debra Hertell of East Bethel. He is also survived by two granddaughters: Jessamyn and her husband, Joshua Hsu, of Los Angeles, and Kirsten Arsenault and her fiance, Kyle Burnett, of Portland. He is also survived by a great-grandson, Benjamin Hsu of Los Angeles. He is also survived by two brothers and one sister: Edwin and Betty Hertell of Oxford; Henry and Doris Hertell of South Paris; and Alice and Walt Forbus of Auburn; as well as many nieces and nephews from all around Maine.

He was predeceased by both of his parents; his wife, Earlene; his brother, Uuno Hertell of New York; his son-in-law, John Snyder; and his special friend and companion, Mary Bean, of East Bethel.

Also, the family wishes to express appreciation and gratitude to the entire staff of the intensive-care unit at Central Maine Medical Center, with particular thanks to Dr. Erwey Teng. We will always be thankful for the care and compassion that were shown to Arthur and his family as a whole by the ICU staff. The family would also like to thank his longtime primary care physician, Dr. James Joseph, as well as Michele Lowell of Androscoggin Home Health, for all of their attentive care to Arthur.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlefunerals.com.

Arthur E. Hertell