HURCKMAN, Arthur (March 20, 1936 - August 22, 2012) Arthur J. Hurckman, age 76, of Birchwood, WI passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at his home in the care of his family and hospice. Arthur was born March 20, 1936 in Columbus, WI, where he was raised on his family farm by parents, Anna and Arthur Hurckman, along with his three sisters and two brothers. Art grew up farming with his father, and the lessons he learned about the ways of the land would serve him and his own family throughout his life. Art’s early life as a farmer set the stage for many of his lifelong activities such as gardening, canning, hunting and fishing. Other hobbies included photography, flying large-scale model airplanes, golfing, playing cards with family and friends, and riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He was employed by A.J. Sweet, Oscar Mayer, Sears, and as a Firefighter for the City of Madison for 30 years. But, his strong work ethic was no match for his passion for all things outdoors. Art married Virginia “Ginny” R. Smith on March 26, 1977, and the two of them began their epic journey together. Art and Ginny’s many travels together were to Canada and out west to hunt, fish, and take their family vacationing. After his retirement from the City of Madison Fire Department, he and Ginny moved to Birchwood. While there, he taught himself the art of making pure maple syrup. Over the years, Art generously provided his family and friends with a wide variety of canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and syrup, as well as an endless supply of fish, fowl, and wild game. He was also a very active member of the community and the church, and in 2002, helped to build the new Trinity Lutheran Church. Art’s ability to provide for his family was matched only by his relentless ambition to make others laugh and feel at ease. With his clever wit, his bold sense of humor, and unyielding positive attitude, he was truly a soul determined to take things lightly. To say that he will be missed is a sincere understatement. Art is loved dearly by his family and friends, each of whom have their own story to tell about this remarkable man. Arthur Hurckman is survived by his wife, Virginia; his sons and daughters; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia (Leroy) Stier and Therese (Bill) Hardy; his sisters’ in-law and brothers’ in-law, Joyce (Dennis) Zimmerman, Blanche (Twig) Smith-Huinker and Dale Huinker; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and two brothers. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Birchwood, WI on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 11:00 AM with family visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Pastor Roger Kastelle officiating. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Birchwood, WI and Lakeview Medical Center Hospice, Rice Lake, WI.

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