Art Mcclure

Art “fought the good fight!” but died peacefully Christmas evening, December 25, 2020 at Four Winds Manor in Verona, WI. During his 2 ½ years there, he made many friends. Art was born to Lillian and Elmer McClure May 17, 1931, in Bismarck, ND. He was an alumnus of Wahpeton High School and North Dakota State School. He enlisted in the Navy and spent 4 years between Hawaii and Seattle as an aerographer and received an honorable discharge in 1955. He attended the University of Minnesota where he received a BA in 1957, followed by an Architecture degree in 1958. It was there that he met Pat Ketchum and they married in 1957, and spent 63 wonderful years together.

Art worked in architectural firms in the Twin Cities before moving his family to Madison, WI in 1967 to take a position as a State Architect. He worked on the state capitol renovation and all the UW state schools building programs. Art retired in 1996, and was happiest on the golf course in Naples Florida, Door County or Blackhawk Country Club, where he was a member for 47 years. He also took up painting watercolors, enjoying painting his favorite Door County scenes during his free time. Art was active in his church, the Diocesan Building Commission, South Rotary, Gyro and Harlequin Dance Club.

Art was an exceptional person who touched everyone he knew. He was quiet, sensitive, always patient, a great listener and supportive. Above all, he loved God and valued honesty and integrity. Of all aspects in his life, he felt great pride in his daughter Debbi and his granddaughter Michaela. He will be missed greatly but forever in our hearts. Art is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Debbi (Kirk Oleson), of Colorado Springs, CO, his granddaughter Michaela of Denver, CO, his sister Pat Hanson, St. Paul, MN, his brother in law Dale Ketchum (Fredi), Ramsey, MN, and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A private mass was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace. Internment of Ashes will be at Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, memorials can be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Endowment Fund, Four Winds Manor, or Heartland Hospice. We look forward to a Celebration of Art’s life at a future date.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434