Gary George Clope

Gary George Clope, age 89, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on September 29, 1936, the son of the late Clarence and Marie (Dreher) Clope. Gary graduated from St. Catherine’s High School with the Class of 1954.

On November 16, 1957, at St. Florian Catholic Church in Milwaukee, he was united in marriage to Suzanne Marie Becker. The two first met while attending a St. Catherine’s vs. Pius basketball game in Racine, beginning a love story that would span nearly seven decades. Gary worked for Wisconsin Electric Company for 37 years, retiring in 1994 as a dispatcher. He continued working after retirement at Ericksons Auto Trim for 15 years. He also worked as a bartender at Douglas Bowl for 30 years. When he wasn't behind the bar, you could find him on the lanes as he was an avid bowler.

Gary was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church for over 60 years. He enjoyed playing sports and was a part of the championship DeRango’s 12” soft ball team in the 60’s. He was a passionate sports fan, especially of the Green Bay Packers, holding season tickets since the 1950s. After retirement, Gary and Suzanne enjoyed spending their winters in Venice, Florida, where they made many lasting friendships and memories. When he was not watching sports, he spent countless hours gardening. He was also known for never missing his daily "medicine"-- a gin martini promptly at 5 o'clock. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Suzanne; his children, David (Jane) Clope, Scott (Lauri) Clope, Gail (Robert) Stedman, Laura Black, and Jane (Ian) Connaughton; 11 grandchildren, Hayley, Matthew, Jacob, Nicholas, Kathleen, Meaghann, Clara, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Lucas and Morgan; 10.5 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Gretchen and Pat Dechant.

Visitation and A Mass of Christian Burial is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday June 30. Full arrangements will be announced when finalized. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on Highway 32 at a later date.

Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church and/or St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to Heartland Hospice nurse Kyla. They are also deeply grateful to all of the aides who assisted in Gary’s care at Parkview Gardens Assisted Living, especially Susan, Maria, Temeka, Vicky, Meg, Maurice, and Kevin.