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.
