Arthur “Art” Prouty was born on October 12, 1942, to John Louis and Ruth Lorraine (Johnson) Prouty. He grew up on the family farm outside of Tracy, alongside his five siblings. Art was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church.
Art graduated from Tracy High School in 1960, where he was an exceptional athlete and standout wrestler, making multiple trips to the state tournament. After high school, he ventured to Wyoming, where he worked in a sawmill, and then to Alaska, where he cleared snow — and even bears — from airport runways. He also spent time working on the railroads in southern Minnesota. Art attended Minot State University in North Dakota on a wrestling scholarship for one year before leaving to help support his family — an early sign of the work ethic and selflessness that would define his life. In 1964, Art was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. During his service, he earned a place on the prestigious All-Army Wrestling Team at West Point.
Art met the love of his life, Susan Olson, in high school, and they were married on August 16, 1965. Together, they raised four children — Ronald, Lance, Nicole, and Thomas— who were his pride and joy. Art loved cheering them on in their sports and activities throughout high school and college. Later, he became his grandchildren’s biggest fan, attending every game and event with unmatched pride and enthusiasm.
Following his military service, Art and Sue moved to California, where he earned a business degree from Cerritos College. He spent many years working for the Southern California Gas Company before returning to Minnesota. There, he founded Gopher State Plumbing and Heating in Redwood Falls, which he successfully owned and operated for many years. Later, in the Twin Cities, Art worked as a real estate broker, managing a portfolio of over 30 homes — an impressive testament to his discipline and entrepreneurial spirit.
Art was known for his kindness, patience, and quiet strength. When someone needed help, he was the first to offer it. His calm and steady presence brought comfort to those around him — except, perhaps, during football season, when his passion for the Minnesota Vikings came out in full force.
Art loved traveling to Mexico and spending winters at his beachside condo. His favorite days were spent lounging in the sun with a good book and a margarita in hand. He enjoyed golfing with friends and family, tending to his beautiful backyard garden, watching westerns, and cheering on the Vikings and Gophers. Always the competitor, Art also loved a good game of chess, poker or pool.
Art peacefully passed away at home in Burnsville, MN on June 25th, 2025, at the age of 82. He will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and for the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in all those he touched, and he will be dearly missed.
Art is survived by Susan Prouty and their children: Ron (Stacy) Prouty of Pine River, MN; Lance (DeAnn) Prouty of Burnsville, MN; Nikki (Brad) Simons of Rosemount, MN; and Tom Prouty of Burnsville, MN.
Grandchildren: Kyle (Samantha) Prouty, Morgan (Jared) Watson, Rylee (Nick) Paine, Ryan (Megan) Prouty, Quinn and Caden Prouty; Gus (Hailey), Joe (Greta), and Louis Prouty; Jake, Zach, and Nick Simons; Ben and Madeline Prouty.
Great-grandchildren: Eisley and Capri Watson; Mischa and Soren Paine; Ryder Prouty.
He is also survived by his sister, Lezlee Prouty of Sioux Falls, SD, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Prouty; twin brother, Allen Prouty; and his siblings Jim Prouty, JoAnn Carter, and Patricia Peltola.
A funeral service will be held at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, 1 Tower Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Art’s nephew, Reverend Scott Prouty.
Interment will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with a memorial luncheon immediately afterward at the Fort Snelling Plank Museum and Visitor Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
