Neyl "Mac" McClure

Neyl “Mac” McClure, 84, Bismarck, died March 25, 2017, at Sunset Drive-Prospera Community, Mandan, ND. Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, April 1, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N 6th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Mark Ehrmantraut officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, March 31, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Mac, son of Clarence and Margaret (Galloway) McClure was born October 21, 1932, in Bismarck, ND. He grew up in Bismarck and Belfield, graduating from Belfield High School in 1950. He went on to attend Bismarck Junior College where he received an associate’s degree in pre-engineering. While in high school he joined the Dickinson National Guard, K Company, 164th Infantry Regiment. Mac made the Army and the National Guard an important part of his life. He served in many capacities throughout his career ending as a Master Sergeant in the Det 2 NDMA, Hq STARC NDARNG of Bismarck. He was employed as a carpenter with Krause Homes, Bismarck, until joining the Department of Public Instruction as a screener/warehouseman retiring in 1992. He was actively involved in several military and fraternal organizations (American Legion, 40/8, Am Vets, and Elks) in Bismarck. His longest service was helping with Open Your Heart for almost as many years as it existed until his health failed him. He married Helen Wilson on April 27, 1957, in Bismarck. They raised three children, Meredith, Bruce, and Aletha. When he put his mind to it, Mac could do anything. He was always reading and researching to learn about something new as evidenced by his well-worn library card. He taught himself and was eager to share a lot of what he learned with his children and family. He taught them all about astronomy in the back yard. In his later years, his love of photography allowed him to capture Halley’s Comet as it passed across the sky. His photography was a passion. He has thousands of snapshots from almost every event in his life along with wonderful framed art that won awards in art shows and the honor of being displayed in the Governor’s Mansion for a time. He learned how to create art with wood and created several wonderful items. His garden was a favorite pastime. He enjoyed growing unusual varieties of vegetables including celery. He enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, making beer, baking bread, and using his engineering skills to design many plans for the above activities. Mac is survived by his daughters, Meredith (Joe) Gross and Aletha McClure; nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Don) Joseph, Brian (Kelly) Gross, Mark Gross, Jonathan McClure, Dr. Aileen Aldrich, Elizabeth (Aaron) Krebsbach, Andrew McClure, Bram Olson, and Jeremia (Brandy) Heupel; seven great-grandchildren, Devon Joseph, Heidi, Henry, and Ava Gross, James Krebsbach, Isabelle and Abigail Heupel; his sister, Lola Eagle; three half-brothers, Eldon and Alan McClure, and Amasa Harrison; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce; his parents, Clarence McClure and Margaret Harrison; his stepmother, Rose McClure; his stepfather, Charles Harrison; one brother, AC; and one half-brother, Charles Harrison, Jr. The family wishes to thank Sunset Drive (Sanford Continuining Care Center)-A Prospera Community, staff for their loving care of their dad. Thank you dad for the many memories you created in your lifetime, which we will always cherish in our hearts. Until we meet again…