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Father Arthur H. Wille, M.M., who served in community and health care projects in Tanzania, died May 4 at Maryknoll’s assisted living unit in Ossining. He was 95.
Over the decades in Tanzania until 2003, his service included overseeing the establishment of a health care center. He also established and managed a catechist training center, and was involved in a project to bring drinking water to five villages.
He also served as vicar general of the Diocese of Musoma.
In the early 1950s, he assisted in opening the Komuge Mission among the Wasumbiti people. He later was assigned to open a mission among the Wazanaki people at Zanaki. While there, Julius Nyerere became his language teacher. Nyerere later led Tanganyika into independence and became the first president of Tanzania.
Born in St. Louis, Father Wille entered Maryknoll Junior Seminary in 1939. He was ordained in 1951 after studies at Maryknoll Seminary in Ossining.
He is survived by his sister, Rose Marie Hansell.
A Funeral Mass was offered May 7 at Queen of Apostles Chapel at Maryknoll. Burial was at Maryknoll Society Cemetery.
