Obituary of Arthur Otto Wurtmann

Arthur Otto Wurtmann August 01, 1921 - October 25, 2013 Arthur Otto Wurtmann Arthur Otto Wurtmann, 92, of Brookfield, CT died Friday, October 25, after a short hospitalization. Born August 1, 1921, in New York City, he was the son of the late Bernhard H. Wurtmann, and Hazel Schroeder Wurtmann. He was raised in Teaneck, NJ and was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Arthur attended Nichols College, then went to join the war effort in 1943, going to work for the State Department in Washington, D.C. He was posted to the Office of Naval Attache in London where he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant. He was selected by General "Wild Bill" Donovan to join the Office of Strategic Services where he worked as a Cryptologist, Cryptoanalyst, Message Center Officer, and Congressional Liaison. He went ashore at Utah Beach during the Allied Invasion, and then marched overland with his unit to Paris just as the German Army departed. After the war he was honorably released-seperated-to Inactive Duty in 1946 and resumed his studies at Yale, graduating in 1949. Arthur married Dorothy Ann Durfee (deceased) and they had three sons together while residing in Old Tappan, NJ and later Wilton, CT. Arthur worked for a number of Madison Avenue advertising agencies, including BBD&O, where he became involved in live-broadcast radio and television programs. He later joined Reader's Digest as Merchandising Manager. Upon retirement, Arthur moved to Stonington, CT and married Elizabeth Ackerly Wurtmann, where he pursued his love of gardening and sailing. Moving to Brookfield, CT, Arthur remained active in boating and gardening. Arthur was known to fellow Wiltonians as an avid gardener, often rising before the sun to "work the land." His garden was a source of pride for him, and he delighted in putting out the extra harvest for neighbors. As a sailor, he was equally passionate, navigating the waters of Long Island Sound and beyond to Block Island and Martha's Vineyard. He served as a deacon at the Wilton Congregational Church and on the board of the Red Cross in New York City. He also served as President of the Wilton Historical Society. Arthur is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ackerly Wurtmann, three sons, two step-sons, one step-daughter, five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral Information A memorial service will be held on November 23 at 12:30 pm at the Congregational Church of Brookfield located at 160 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT 06804. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, Arthur would have liked memorial donations be made to the Congregational Church of Brookfield Music Department or the Salvation Army.