Richard “Dick” Arthur McClay, age 84, of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at his home. He was born Dec. 19, 1940, in West Sweden, Wisconsin, to Mark Sr. and Elsie McClay.
He was married on June 16, 1962, to Elizabeth Klockeman in the same church he will be laid to rest at, Zion Lutheran of Turtle Lake. Elizabeth preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 2017.
Dick worked for North Oaks Processing for some years before driving truck for Darling International and hauling milk locally. In addition, many might recognize him from the 21 years he spent with the Turtle Lake Fire Department. Outside of his work, he liked to partake in deer hunting, camping with the family, or a quiet night in watching a movie and working on a puzzle. He also enjoyed the company of his many children and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by daughters, Lisa Slayton, Kandi (Craig) Bleecker, Terri McClay and Lori (Erik) Hanson; son, Robin McClay; 10 grandchildren, Chris Slayton, Kayla Slayton, Becky Wildes, Crystal Harmon, Andrea McClay, Tiffany McClay, Richard McClay, Paige Bleecker, Corey Bleecker and Jordan McClay; 16 great-grandchildren, Madison, Carter, Aaliyah, Vanessa, Carlos, Alittiah, Lonnell Jr., Tierra Rose, Aiyuanna, Cheyenne, Cole, Dominic, Skiller, Deylin, Dancing Bear and Ryden; sisters-in-law, Judy Graunke and Sharon (Don) Selle; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, of 54 years, Elizabeth; parents; siblings, Mark (Lorraine) McClay Jr., Lloyd (JoAnne) McClay and Mary Jane (LeRoy) Johnson; son-in-law, Tim Slayton; sister-in-law, Eileen Clark; and brothers-in-law, Harold Graunke and Walt Clark.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at Zion Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake. Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren, Chris Slayton, Kayla Slayton, Becky Wildes, Crystal Harmon, Andrea McClay, Tiffany McClay, Richard McClay, Paige Bleecker, Corey Bleecker and Jordan McClay. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at church.
Skinner Funeral Home of Turtle Lake is serving the family.
