Arnold Zweerts passed peacefully in to his next life with his loving family and friends by his side on November 6, 2009. He was born November 29th, 1918 in Bussum, Netherlands to Jan and Luise Marie (Hoette) Zweerts.
Arnold’s father was a cigar manufacturer in Amsterdam and his grand father was a master brewer at Heinekens in Rotterdam.
Arnold studied art in Amsterdam, Denmark, Ravenna Italy, United States and Mexico
Arnold is a survivor of WWII German Work Camps near Dresden where he was forced to make boots for the Germany Army. The forced laborers pounded the nails into the boots too far in an effort to cripple the Wehrmacht.
Arnold met Julia Anne Brownfoot while teaching in England. They were married on April 7, 1953 in Kew Gardens, Surrey England. They moved to Amsterdam in June where Arnold worked at the Rijks Museum. In 1955 their first son (Jan) was born on March 29th.
Arnold and Julia immigrated to the United States after hearing radio ads and ended up in Joliet, Ill (on his application he wrote Hollywood or New York). Arnold worked in a greeting card factory and loved to play pranks on his fellow workers and boss. On January 1, 1958 their second son was born (Philip) and Arnold started teaching figure drawing at the Art Institute in Chicago. They moved to Chicago the following year where Arnold had a studio at the Contemporary Arts Workshop which was a hot bed for Artists in the 1960’s. 1962 brought the birth of their last child (Judi). In 1963 they moved back to Bussum for a year where Arnold taught grade school children art.
1965 brought them back to the United States where they purchased a home in Downers Grove IL. Arnold resumed teaching at the Art Institute. He also started teaching part time at Loyola University. Arnold received his Masters of Fine Arts in 1972 at the Instituto Allende in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. 1975 found them moving to an old schoolhouse in Postville, Wisconsin a small town of about 20. There he enjoyed painting the beautiful rolling hills. In 1985 they once again packed up and moved to Corbett, Oregon where they lived for a year before finally settling in nearby Hood River in 1986.
Over the years Arnold and his family visited many destinations across the US, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, England, Netherlands, Italy and Venice. In his younger years he loved to sail, hike, bike, camp and ice skate. He had many friends that he kept in contact with from over the world by writing letters daily.
Arnold left behind a legacy of mosaics, oil paintings, wood cuts, charcoal, pastels, pen and inks and pencil drawings across the world. Through the years his artwork was exhibited and attracted patrons too numerous too list. He continued to paint daily until his last days.
Arnold always loved a good joke, partying, great food and wine. He will be missed by his loving wife, family and friends.
He is Survived by his wife Julia Zweerts (Brownfoot), Hood River, OR; Children Jan Zweerts (Rae Casey Zweerts) Portland, OR; Philip Zweerts (Rachael Tadyish) Postville WI; Judi Kane (Curt Kane) Hood River, OR. Sister, Lies Zweerts, Huizen Netherlands; Cousin Merele Rowles, Durban South Africa. Grandchildren Amber Kuebli Monroe, WI; Josh Penniston Argyle WI; Sadie Kane Portland, OR; Richard Kane Hood River, OR; Sam Zweerts Postville, WI; Great Grandson Deacon Kuebli, Monroe WI.
Preceded in Death by Parents, Jan and Luise Zweerts, Sister Loets Zweerts, Cousin Hedley Rowles
A Celebration of his life will be held at the Columbia Gallery for the Arts in Hood River on December 5th from 3-6 PM. Please come and bring stories or photos you wish to share.
Donations to Hospice of the Gorge are appreciated. It is with their help that Arnold was able to pass peacefully at home and with dignity. Thank you Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031.