Arthur Peter Tatera

Arthur P. Tatera, 91 of Topeka, KS formerly of Medicine Lodge, KS, died Thursday, November 7, 2013 at McCrite's Retirement Community. Arthur was born November 9, 1921 in Chicago, IL the son of Simon and Helen (Ziolkowski) Andrzejewski. He was raised by his mother and stepdad Walter F. Tatera in Chicago. He served in the US Army Air Corps with the 381st Bomber Group during WW II. He was in private practice as a Chiropractor in Medicine Lodge for 44 years retiring in 1993. He was a charter member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medicine Lodge and currently a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Topeka. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Third and Fourth Degree, the V.F.W. and the American Legion all in Medicine Lodge. Arthur enjoyed roller derby in his youth, was an avid bowler who bowled in several leagues, and golfing where he started the Tatera Family golf tournament. Arthur was instrumental in getting the golf course started in Medicine Lodge. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially attending reunions of his 381st Army Air Corps Bombing Goup. He will be most remembered for his faith, family, love and serving his community as a Chiropractor and as a volunteer. Arthur married Omah Denny on September 29, 1944 in Chicago, IL. She survives along with their children, Carole Hawkins, (Kirk) of Topeka, Marilyn Harding (Foster) of Castle Rock, CO, Helen Steinbock (Bob) of Topeka, Roberta McGinnis (Pete) of Monroeville, AL, Robert Tatera (Barbara) Somers, NY, a brother, Walter E. Tatera, Columbia, SC. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Brenda, Todd, Kip, Debra, Annie, Alison, Aaron, Katie, Marcy, Liane, Lindsay and Kelly, 22 great grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, and five step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Sue Tatera in 1977, and two brothers, Eugene F. Tatera and an infant Bobby. He will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. and a rosary will be prayed. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by military honors. Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Harveyville Cemetery, Harveyville, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation in memory of his daughter, Valerie Tatera and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.