Claude R. Kearney, age 80, of Adams, Wisconsin passed away Friday, December 20, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his family.
A celebration of life will be 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at the Adams Town Hall- 1980 11th ave. in Adams.
Claude was born March 28, 1939, in Adams to Robert and Lucille (Moskow) Kearney.
He attended Adams-Friendship High School and graduated from Tomah in 1958.
Claude married his first wife Mary Becker on March 1, 1959. Together they raised five children and he was a father figure to many others. Their door was always open to many beloved children who wanted a safe place to stay and they became heartfelt family members. He later married Donna L. Smith on July 3, 2002, in Adams and accepted her family as well.
Claude loved cars and raced for many years. He was an awesome mechanic and could fix anything for anyone. He worked for the City of Adams Police Department & the Adams County Sheriff’s Department in his younger years and then Ron’s Body Shop. He later owned and operated C & M Motors. He drove wrecker and did masonry work for Dennis & Vickie Kaye, finally working for the Town of Adams until his disability/retirement.
Claude used his retirement to do the things he loved the most: hunting, fishing, tinkering on vehicles, inventing, woodworking, and especially spending time with his children, and grandchildren.
Claude was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvina & Claude Kearney; father, Robert Kearney; mother, Lucille (Gaylord Gerke); uncle, Laverne Moskow; brother-in-law, Art Barth; best friend, Dennis Kaye, and beloved dog, Ratter.
Survivors:
Wife: Donna Kearney
Daughter: Deb (Butch) Kearney
Son: Michael (Barb) Kearney Bonus Daughter: Cindy Phillippi
Daughter: Shelly (Tom) Kierstyn
Son: Tim (Corrine) Kearney
Daughter: Lori (Roger) Hall
Stepson: Andrew (Shaunda) Smith
15 Grandchildren: Lacy, Cory, Cody, Trevor, Trent, Amanda, Jennifer “Warsinski”, Jason, Amber “Cupcake”, Shane, Dylan, Hannah, Daniel, Zayda, and Tessa
8 great-grandchildren: Caly, Lexi, Kari, August, Renae, Colin, Aria, and Savanah “George”
Sister: Marlene (Jim) Loehr
Sister: Rita Barth
First wife: Mary Kearney
further survived by many other family members and friends.
Shelly and family,
I’m sorry to hear of your Father.
It appears God is calling some of His finer children home.
My prayers are with you.
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. God bless.
Sorry for your loss.
Tim and family, I am very sorry for your loss and am sending my deepest sympathy. Keep your memories close at this time. Take care.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
So sorry to hear of Claude’s passing. My condolences to family members even though we haven’t kept in touch through the years there will always be memories of the fun gatherings at Grandma Kearney’s especially during the summer months growing up. Motorcycle rides with Claude and how he could always make you laugh. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. You have our sincere condolences.
Deepest Sympathy to the family..
Claude Was A Very Special Man, We Were Friends For Many Years, Along With All The Family. They Always Made You Feel Like Family. He Will Be Missed By So Many. I Have Some Wonderful Memories, as Well As Fun Memories That I Will Always Treasure. Sending Prayers, Love, and Hugs To The Whole Family. Marlea (Waite) McCollam and Darrell McCollam.
Sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of visiting with Claude and family.
To all the family, So sorry to hear about Claude. Rest easy Neighbor!!!
To the entire Kearny Family,
My heart goes out to you all. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Claude’s Family – So sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Great memories of Claude and they all involve humor. We were in the same confirmation class. Used to laugh and say neither of us learned anything! He sure did love his kids.
We are so Sorry for your loss, Claude was an incredible person!
To the Kearney’s,
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about another classmate gone. Claude was always so friendly and well liked but like with all others gone never stayed in touch. SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO CLAUDES FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS
So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort to the family.
So sorry for your loss he was a great man very fond memories my thoughts an prayers are with you all
Mike Shelly and the whole family my condolences very sorry for your loss
my thoughts and prayers to the family. sorry for your loss. Claude was a very nice person he will be missed.
So very sorry to hear of Claude’s passing. He was one of a kind. Hugs and prayers.
Claude my friend you will be missed God Bless
So Sorry for your loss. Dan & Kaye Pare
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss
So sorry for your family’s loss
my prayers are with you all
Sending our deepest sympathy
Sorry for your lost 🙏. He is a good Man he will be missed by all that neu him.
Sorry we lost touch. Condolences.
Betty Wooledge Carstensen
Sorry to hear Claude is always with you all can remember the camping trip when we would come to see you all . Hugs and sending prayers to you all always ruthie wooledge songer and family
very sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you God Bless
Sorry for your loss