Clinton Austin McKinley

Clinton "Bud / Mac" McKinley

Clinton “Bud / Mac” McKinley

Clinton Austin McKinley, 88, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on September 16, 2017.

Clinton (Bud, Mac)’s life journey began in 1929 in Chicago, IL, where he was the second of three children born to Grace and William McKinley. Following his father’s death in a tragic accident, he began working at a young age after school, helping his mother support the family during difficult financial times. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served with honor, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was first stationed in Korea and was later selected to serve as an instructor in the 8th Army Ordinance School of the South Pacific in Japan. Following his army service, he married Gladys Pedersen of Arkdale, WI, on September 20, 1952. They lived and worked in Chicago for a year before moving to Friendship, WI, which they have made their beloved home for 64 years. Bud and Gladys were wonderful parents to a family of two children, Pam and Tom. Bud worked as a manager/owner of Shari Sales and Service until his retirement; he and Gladys then enjoyed spending many winters at their vacation home in Tucson, AZ. Golfing, bowling, snowmobiling, and learning to fly an airplane were hobbies that Bud particularly enjoyed. He was a member and former quartermaster of Adams VFW Post 6279 and, as a WWII veteran, he proudly participated in a Wisconsin Honor Flight in 2011. In addition to his military service, he served his community over the years as a member of the Adams County Board, the Friendship Village Board, the Moundview Golf Club Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of Tucson Estates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray McKinley, and his sister Lorraine Becker. Left to mourn his passing are his dear wife Gladys, his daughter Pam and son-in-law Matt Brunner, his son Tom and daughter-in-law Sue, his 4 grandchildren: Tony and Sam Brunner and Bridget and Kelly McKinley, brothers/sisters-in-law; Esther Stevens, Myrt and Helmer Lecy, Alden and Judy Pedersen, Beryl Pedersen, and Florence and Ed Koehler. Uncle Bud will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews, as well as a treasured group of friends in Wisconsin and Arizona.

Bud was a person of principle who will be remembered for his outgoing personality, witty humor, strong work ethic, enjoyment of life, fearlessness in the face of adversity, gratitude for his many blessings, devotion to his country, and deep love for his family. A celebration of his life will be held at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, Friendship at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

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Condolences

  1. Marveline M Kaldenberg says:

    Condolences to Gladys and family. Many fond memories here.

  2. Pat Holm Jodarski says:

    Gladys Judy Alden and others so sorry for your loss and that I will not be able to attend the funeral as I am grounded from surgery this week. May God bless you all7

  3. Jackie Marti says:

    Gladys, Pam, and Tom
    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Bud was a funny, loving person. I always looked forward to seeing him…keep memories close but please remember to laugh. Huge hugs to you all…RIP Bud…you will be missed.

  4. Kevin & Carol Babbitt says:

    Gladys, Tom and Pam, our deepest sympathies go out to you. Bud was not only a great friend, but the greatest golf partner. We have such wonderful memories of Bud and Gladys and the whole family.

  5. Patti (Wesely) Buttner says:

    Pam and family, so sorry for your loss

  6. Kathy Williams says:

    Gladys, Pam, Tom & Family My sincere condolences for the passing of your dear “Bud”. A beautiful tribute for a good man. I will always remember him out doing work on his lawn, it always looked perfect. God Bless all of you during this most difficult time.

  7. Ron Williams says:

    Love working for my Aunt Gladys and Uncle Bud I will always be here if you need help just call.
    I will miss him

  8. Terri and Tom Beversdorf says:

    So sorry for your loss. Losing our parents is tough. He was very handsome and see the resemblance in his son! Keep the memories strong!

  9. Cassie & Seb Busalacchi says:

    Gladys, So sorry to hear about Mac passing. He was such a delight and listening to his stories. He will be missed.

  10. Laurie Falash says:

    What a beautiful tribute to Bud. He was quite a character. Condolences to the family.

  11. Romie and Shirley Theisen says:

    Warm wishes of condolence. May you find solace in great memories.

  12. Jen Armstrong says:

    I’m sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this time.

  13. Nancy Fenton says:

    Aunt Gladys, Pam and Tom you have my deepest sympathy – so glad I got to visit with Uncle Bud in July. I will cherish all the memories I’ve had with Uncle Bud. ?

  14. Bob and Janis says:

    The Pedersen Boogeyman will always be looking at us. Rest in peace, Uncle Bud. We’re going to miss you…

  15. Alden and Judy Pedersen says:

    Dear Uncle Bud, How we will miss you. You were loved by all of us, and Aunt Gladys ,Tom and Pam, We know you are hurting and know how it feels and it does get a little easier as time passes. It really does. Remember the good times and all the love of your family and friends. May God bless you all and keep you in his loving arms.

  16. Kathy Cappel says:

    Sorry to hear of Bud’s passing…..my sympathy goes out to the entire family.

  17. Sarah Chaffee Dambeck says:

    Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Thinking of you Tom and family.

  18. Susan Dempsey & Jeff says:

    My heart hurts. I’m so sorry Aunt Gladys, Tom, Pam and family. Uncle Bud enlivened any room he entered. I’ll always remember dancing with him at our many family weddings. Peace for you as you endure this tough time. Love you all.

  19. Susan Dempsey & Jeff says:

    My heart hurts. So sorry Aubt Gladys, Tom, Pam and family. Uncle Bud enlivened any room he entered, and I’ll always remember dancing with him at the many family weddings. Such great memories we all share. Peace to you as you endure this tough time

  20. Peggy Johnston says:

    Uncle Bud will be misses by many. When you are married into the Pedersen family you have many persons mourning the loss of a loved one. We will be thinking of you.

  21. Heather, Matt and Samantha Wendland says:

    Thinking of you all. I’m so glad he made it to the family reunion last month. Sending my love!

  22. Julie Gilman says:

    Aunt Gladys, Pam, and Tom, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Bud. My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy for your loss. So sorry also that I won’t be able to attend the funeral as Dave will be having knee surgery that day. Love to you all I will be thinking of you!

  23. Carol (Bredesen) Cannon says:

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you

  24. Valerie Mecklenurg-Holland says:

    I always enjoyed Bud, Gladys and the entire family…i only ever remember him with a smile. Hugs, prayers to you all, he will be missed..

  25. Larry & Evelyn (York) Johnston says:

    Aunt Gladys, Pam ,Tom & Families, My heart breaks, for all. Uncle Bud, always had a crazy laugh, and could always put his own spin on a conversation. Praying for comfort & peace. Love to all.

  26. Jodi Helgeson and Jim Grabarski says:

    Uncle Bud will be greatly missed by all of us. I enjoyed visiting with him both here in Friendship and in Tucson. All of the fun times we had at family picnics and visiting with him at Shari Sales. Not sure why I thought of him as the “Boogey Man” when I was little but it will always be a fond memory of him. I’m sure he is mowing away up in heaven.
    Love you all!!

  27. Don and Karen Rathke Hartwig says:

    Deepest Sympathy a wonderful man has been sent to heaven. Hugs and prayers to Gladys and family.

  28. Pat Williams says:

    I am so sorry Aunt Gladys, Pam and Tom and families. Uncle Bud will surely be missed.
    Last 2 years I would go over to watch the Batchelor tv series with both Uncle Bud and Aunt Gladys. He would watch and comment on the scenes, but would head to bed before it was done. We also got together for coffee and donuts some mornings. Always had stories to tell, especially about Arizona and his fancy gof cart. I treasure every moment spent with them. Will surely miss having conversation with Uncle Bud. Let’s keep in touch, Aunt Gladys.

  29. Judy Alderman says:

    So sorry for the families loss

  30. Jeff and donna says:

    So very sorry Aunt Gladys, Tom, Pam and families. We loved him dearly and grieve with you. Jeff Stevens and Donna Gaddy

  31. Debbie Stevens says:

    So sorry for the loss of our dear Uncle Bud – we enjoyed the conversations we had with him over the years. His wit and sense of humor will be missed. Much love to the family. Debbie and Bob

  32. Diana (Chaffee) & Mike Shaske says:

    So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all .

  33. Brenda (Roberts) Quinnell says:

    My condolences to the family. I have enjoyed seeing his yard, the bushes, the flowers, and how hard Bud worked to keep it always looking nice. He was always pleasant when he made his numerous trips each spring and fall to the landfill to get rid of the clippings. Today as I drove by on the side yard and drove over many pine needles in the road, I thought to myself “something must be wrong with Bud – he would never allow this”. Rest in Pease Bud – I hope they have a yard in heaven for you to attend to because they are getting a special caretaker.

  34. Peg & Loren Lecy says:

    Hold each other close and share your memories of Uncle Bud. He was very proud of his family. Aunt Gladys the love of his life. His pain is over. May he rest in peace