(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Arthur Richard DeBaere Jr., born on June 10th, 1944, and laid down his working tools on August 15th, 2024, Arthur grew up on the North Side of Chicago, became a long-time resident of Riverside IL and most recently resided in Kenosha WI.
Arthur graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle with a Bachelor of Architecture in Building Technology. He specialized in Electrical and Plumbing Engineering. He worked in the Newberry Library restoration project, many hospitals throughout Chicago and the Northern Suburbs and many hotel resorts internationally. One of his most interesting positions included being the city building inspector. He retired from Argonne National Laboratory.
Art joined the Masonic Order and Scottish Rite in 2000. Mystic Shrine in the Medinah Shriners of Chicago. He was a member of Leyden Laurel #1057, now known as Pleiades Lodge #0478. He was a Master Mason for the Westchester Lodge #0995 in 2007, the Sunrise Lodge #0996 in 2009, and the Riverside Lodge #0862 in 2014. Order of Eastern Star, LaGrange Chapter #201 and Berwyn Chapter #529. All with leadership and honors that include President, Grand Representative of Tennessee, Worshipful Master and Grand Master. Art got his MSA in 2007 and was a Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, Past President and past 81st annual chairman of the Worthy Patron’s Club of Chicago and Northern Illinois, President of Medinah Main Shrine Club, Treasure of the Medinah Hospitality Committee, Scottish Rite Research Society, Illinois Lodge of Research, Illinois Masonic Discussion Group, Worshipful Master of Leyden-Laurel Lodge # 1057. He received the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence in 2004 when he was the Worshipful Master of Pleiades Lodge 478. Art was also a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
In most recent years, Arthur has built a world of friends and family throughout the Healthcare Community. His family is so appreciative for each and everyone who has helped him navigate through his many challenges and allow him extra time to experience life with his family and new found friends.
Arthur is survived by his son Arthur DeBaere III (Kristen Halsted), daughter Jennifer Ross (nee DeBaere) and son-in-law Michael Nelson. He is a cherished grandfather to Arthur IV and Mia DeBaere, Richard, Jonathan, Charles and Matthew Ross. He is brother to Joan (Geoff) Smoron and uncle and cousin to many smiling faces.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Nikk I. DeBaere and his parents Arthur Sr. and Elaine DeBaere.
He brought a smile to people’s faces and humor and kindness, -He was well loved. “My day just got better because you are here.” -Art
Celebration of life services will be held on Monday, August 26th, 2024, at Kemper Center – Founders Hall (6501 3rd Avenue Kenosha) with a visitation from 5:30pm to 7:00pm and services to follow. Burial with graveside services will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery (7750 W. Cermak Rd Forest Park IL 60136) on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, at 11:00am.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Jo Lindner says:
Her will be forever missed by so many he was a great man , Robin Way loved him so much and he loved being there. Also made everybody happy lots of laughs. I enjoyed seeing him talking with him. He enjoyed the soccer games with the boys and Mia. He was a family man for sure. Loved his kids. He loved everybody rest in peace, Art Forever loved Jo Lindner ❤️
Jennifer says:
Thank you for your kind words Grandma Jo. For sure Robin Way became and extended family thanks to people like you. Thank you for being part of his journey there
Sally says:
Art was beyond exceptional.I was blessed and honored to be involved in his health care.He brought joy,laughter and love to us all, and he became one of my most special friends ever.
Jennifer says:
I didn’t even know where to begin. You both had a special bond and you became family to us. He enjoyed where he lived and we were given bonus time with him because of people like you. We are ever grateful.
Cheri and Rob says:
Uncle Artie had a great sense of humor and quick wit. He was always ready with one of his little zingers at family parties! He will definitely be missed! Sending a big hug and lots of love to the entire DeBaere Clan at this difficult time.
Jennifer says:
Ha! We were waiting for those zingers to make an appearance last night. All ready missing them. Thank you for coming last night. Very comforting.
Kim & Chad says:
We will really miss Uncle Artie! He was always so happy around his family—you could tell how proud he was! It will be hard celebrating the holidays without him. Our love to our cousins!❤️
Anna says:
Art was always a joy to be around, he lit up the room with his presence and smile, and most of all his hilarious jokes and comebacks! You will definitely be missed Art. Glad we got to spend friday afternoon’s together at Bingo.
Laura Knudsen says:
I am so sad to hear about Art. I was blessed to work with him in PT with ascension at home at Robin Way. He always brought a smile to my face and we would laugh hysterically with the sessions and he worked so hard to get strong. I will miss him a lot. I still have a beautiful spider plant I started when he gave me a shoot from it and it’s now 8 legs of shoots. I will miss you Art.
Randy and Ronda says:
I have so many good memories of family reunions where Art always had everyone in stitches laughing. I am thinking of you all at this time. Sincerely Randy Smith and family.
Rick Hering says:
God bless you Art .You are a great man and will be missed. We will meet again.
Barbara Eccles says:
The Grand Family of 2006, Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois send condolences and prayers to the family of Brother Art, who was an escort to his wife, Sister Nikki, our Grand Marshal. May he now rest in peace with Nikki.
Norman Alvarado says:
Brother Art was my Worshipful Master at Leyden Laurel Lodge #1057 in 2007 when I was raised a Master Mason. He was instrumental in mentoring me into the Mason, and more importantly, the man I am today. Men and Brothers like Art will always be the reason why I labor hard to be the best human I can be and if I can be just an fraction of the great man Bro. Art was then I am all the more blessed. Bro. Art you will be truly missed and our organization has lost another great pillar. May you rest in peace. ❤️😔