Earl Arthur "Mick" McClelland

MCCLELLAND, ARTHUR, WRAY, SCHRADER, MCGAFFIN, RHEAULT, VERMEULEN

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 4/18/2012 at 21:24:22

Earl Arthur "Mick" McClelland was born June 25, 1926 in Corning, Iowa to Earl F. and Grace Arthur McClelland and passed away January 12, 1963 at the University Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 56 years, 6 months, and 17 days.
While in school, Mick was very active in sports. He was the only athlete ever from Corning to be chosen for the All-State basketball and football teams. Mick graduated from high school in 1944 and entered the Naval Air Corps. He served his country two years.
Upon returning home from the service, Mick entered Creighton University. His athletic ability followed him to college, as he lettered in basketball and baseball. He was also a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Honorary Fraternity. While at Creighton he earned his degree in Education.
When he completed college, he returned to Corning to work in his father's law office. From the experience here, Mick started his own tax and real estate business where he worked for over 30 years.
He married Patricia Rheault in Omaha, Nebraska. On August 28, 1970 he was married to Jackie Vermeulen in Corning, Iowa.
Mick was always thought of as a leader in the community. He was active with the Republican Party, he served as school board president, he was active in the American Legion, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Mick could always find goodness in everyone and was willing to turn the other cheek. He always believed in giving a second chance even to a democrat.
Mick's first love was always his family, his wife Jackie of Corning, his three daughters, Marty Wray and husband John of Springfield, Nebraska, Boni McClelland of Omaha, and Karen Schrader and husband Lyle of Corning, his son Steve McClelland of Omaha, a sister, Vivian McGaffin and husband Charles of Winterset, and his brother Arthur and wife Elizabeth of Ankeny, and four grandchildren, Mark and Marcy Bixler and Melissa and Mildred Wray. He is also survived by two step-daughters, Debbie Carlson and husband Judge Theodore and Cassie Vermeulen. He will be remembered as a truly compassionate and loving human being.
Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning, January 15 at 10 a.m. with Magr. John f. Kovace officiating. Military rites were conducted by Ourcq Post #117 American Legion at the Calvary Cemetery, Corning, Iowa.
Music was provided by Eleanor Kelly, organist; Beverly and Kristin Sickler, soloists; and the St. Patrick's choir. Casket bearers were Austin Turner, Mike Miltner, Jack Raymond, Larry Goodvin, Senator James Brilee, and Rev. Kenneth Thafle.
Adams County Free Press, January 20, 1983, page 7