John W. McClure was born on July 23, 1943, in Green Bay WI., to Norman and Anna Turan McClure. Jack, as he was known to family and friends, was the 13th of 15 siblings. Jack attended school in Green Bay and graduated from Premontre High in 1962. After graduation he attended the University of Wisconsin before enlisting in the Air Force (AF). His first assignment after AF basic training was Havre, MT and he was subsequently assigned to Chandler Air Force Base where he met his future wife, Sharon Leas. They were married on November 19, 1966, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Avoca. After the assignment at Chandler AFB, Jack moved his wife and young son John to Val d’or, Quebec Canada where he was an Air Force Liaison to the Canadian military. They welcomed their second son, Gary in 1971. His Air Force career spanned over 24 years with a number of career assignments; which included being stationed in Canada, North Dakota, Thailand, California and Nebraska. Early in his career he was a military police officer and then he became a AF Training instructor. His final position was an Air Force courier at Offutt AFB in Nebraska until his retirement from the Air Force in February 1988. While stationed at Offutt he completed his college education with a degree in Business Administration and Psychology. During is his 24½ years in the Air Force Jack was successful at his military positions while raising a family and making lifelong friends. Three of these friends call him their brother, Don Cain, Bob McCollough and Roy Shackelford travel became more difficult later in Jack’s life, long and much anticipated phone conversations with dear friends followed. Once their sons were in college Jack agreed to move to southwest Minnesota with the stipulation that he and Sharon live on a lake. They purchased a home on Lake Sarah in 1996 where he enjoyed fishing, boating and landscaping everything in sight. He also worked part-time at Page One Printing and later with senior transportation of Murray County before finally retiring and enjoying time with family in Green Bay and winters in Arizona with his son John and daughter-in-law Elena. Over the course of the last few years Jack was a true fighter and always stayed positive even as he dealt with numerous health challenges. As his health declined Jack enjoyed spending time with family, watching movies, Golf or anything sports related. His two favorite teams were the Green Bay Packers and Nebraska Cornhuskers. The worst day was anytime he knew either team was playing, and he could not receive them on a local channel. On August 22nd he was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD and passed away there on Sunday, August 24th surrounded by family. Jack was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where he served as Eucharist minister and usher; member of the Knights of Columbus where he had served as Grand Knight and was also a member of the American Legion where he was Commander of Erwin March Post 64 in Slayton in the early nineties.
He is preceded in death by son, Gary Michael, his parents, four brothers, five sisters, nine brothers-in-law: three sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife Sharon of 58 years; son John David (Elena) Phoenix, AZ; grandson John Michael, Omaha, NE; step grandsons Zach and Josh Loucks, Phoenix, AZ; brother Don (Kathy) McClure; sisters Jan Hewitt, Barb Loendorf and Nanci LeBeau of Green Bay, WI and Sister Annice McClure, Springfield, IL; sister-in-laws Jill McClure, Green Bay, WI; and and Jan Kunselman, Westbrook, MN and many nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 27th at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Currie with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist is Patty LeClaire. The song leaders are LoAnn Hansen and Kris Hansen with special music by Heidi Winter. The honorary pallbearers are Shelly and Dave Bassett, Tim and Joan Kuselman, Tonya and Jesse Poulson, John Michael Mcclure and Charity Kunselman. Burial will be at St. Rose of Lima, Avoca. Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post. A celebration of life will follow at the home of Dave and Shelly Bassett, Currie. His son Gary Michael McClure will be laid to rest with his dad at that time.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.
