Claude Mccarty

Claude Elmer McCarty, 84, lost his battle with cancer on May 24, 2013 at Terrace View Living Center in Shell Lake. Claude was born on January 10, 1929 in the Town of Dewey, Burnett County known as Hertel. He was the third child of six children. His parents are Henry Peter McCarty and Laura (Stafford) McCarty. Brought up in the “Good Ol’ Days”, he walked two miles to the McCarty Grade School for eight years. He was a graduate of Shell Lake High School, class of 1947. Claude worked on the family farm, for the neighbors and picking beans and cucumbers for the factory. He and his brother Henry walked to Bashaw Lake to go fishing, a number of fishing trips we were accompanied by cousins. Over the years, there has been many happy memories made with cousins, the Mangelsen’s. Claude enlisted in the US Army in 1951 during the Korean War, receiving a number of medals for his service. He worked as a bridge builder while serving before being honorably discharged in 1954. After the service, he worked for Spencer Kellogg in the twin cities as a welder and later worked for Johnson’s Body Shop in Rice Lake before retiring. Claude served as a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1256 in Siren. He was a member of the Lakeview Methodist Church in Hertel and served as president of the Lakeview Cemetery Association for 25 years. Claude was a good person, had a sense of humor and a friend to everyone. Due to his cancer he had lost the use of his legs and arms but always kept a positive outlook with a sound mind. He touched so many hearts and will be sadly missed by all that knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Marvin and Henry; sister-in-law Ruth McCarty; brothers-in-law Robert Marion and Lauren Orton; nephew Michael Marion and great niece Melissa Gabrio. He is survived by his sisters Jean Marion; Irene Orton; Doris (Steven) Schmidt; god child Christa Kramer; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifetime friends. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at Lakeview Methodist Church, Hertel with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Music was provided by Janet Nelson and Connie Quam. Interment followed at the Lakeview Hertel Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rocky Bodell, Bill Marion, David Orton, Robert Burington, Randy Burington, and Dirk Benzer. Honorary pallbearers were Steven Schmidt and Robert Denotter. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com