Terrance "Terry" Sean Killips

In loving memory of Terrance Sean Killips aka McKillip, age 65, was received by the Lord on Sunday August 4th, 2024 at 65 years of age. He died peacefully at his home in Blanchardville, WI.

He was born on August 6th, 1958 to Donald and Rose Marie (Rathnow) Killips in Chicago, IL. He attended Our Lady of Ransom grade school in Niles, IL. After grade school he went to Notre Dame College Prep for Boys in Niles, IL for 3 years. He then transferred and graduated from Maine East High School in Park Ridge, IL in 1976.

Terry completed his education at The Art Institute of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA 1982) and Masters of Fine Arts (MFA 1986). He won two Traveling Fellowship Awards for both BFA and MFA graduation exhibitions.

Shortly after high school Terry met Christine Szebel Killips (Tina), they  married in 1984. They would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this October and treasured over 45 years together.

He became a professional Fine Artist. Painting and drawing were his specialty. His volume of original art creations comprises several hundred pieces. He exhibited his extensive collection in many local and nation-wide exhibitions. Terry was represented by many including Erdman Art Group, LLC and Integrated Art Group, LLC in Madison, WI.

While pursuing his art, Tina worked as a travel agent. Early in their marriage, Tina's work facilitated many trips to Europe, Asia and the Caribbean for the couple.

They moved to rural Blanchardville in 1990. A natural teacher, Terry taught Art at Pecatonica Grade School in Hollandale WI. In the mid-1990's he became an Associate Professor of Art at Edgewood College in Madison, WI.

Later in life, Terry was called to service in Ministry. He was ordained in 1999 at St Ann's Interdenominational Church in Hartland WI. Together, Terry and Tina, had a heart for service and hosted many people who came to rest and rejuvenate at their home, overlooking the beautiful Pecatonica River Valley.

He served as a Hospice Chaplin at Upland Hills in Dodgeville, WI in the early 2000's. At that time, he was a contributor to the Pecatonica Leader Newspaper, offering regular articles, named the Interfaith Circle, building bridges of understanding and cooperation amongst faiths.

In 2001-2007, Tina and Terry operated the Art Saint Ann Gallery, located on Henry Street in Madison, WI. It featured a wide array of his artwork, that of other artists, handmade jewelry, and art glass. The couple made regular trips to Poland to purchase Baltic Amber jewelry and Polish art glass inventory.

Much of his service of late, was providing guidance to those who reached out to him for healing and a trusted ear to those in need, through phone and other means of communication.

He was truly a modern Renaissance Man.  He enjoyed music, playing multiple instruments including keyboards and percussion as well as singing. In his youth he was an avid hiker, camper and retained his love for the outdoors. As a professional artist he had a fine eye, was an informed critic of the art world and the history of world-wide art.

Furthermore, Terry was an eternal student with an intense appetite for books. He could complete a book in a single reading. He housed a curiosity that bridged many topics…religion, science, arts, travel and more, as reflected in his extensive collection in his personal library.

Terry had a kind heart, was a loyal and loving husband, was devoted to family and friends and brought much joy to this earth. He loved to drink dark roast coffee, good beer, playing music with his friends, having a good laugh around the bonfire. Terry was a natural comedian, he could really make people laugh. He was witty and had a keen sense of humor. He loved his animals. Together, they loved and provided a home for nearly two dozen homeless cats and dogs spanning their 34 years of residence in rural Blanchardville.

He is survived by his wife Christine (Tina) and their extended family Oleg and Anna Polakov, and their 2 children, Leya and Daminik.  His siblings include, Keverne, Karen (Ned) Hochuli, Kenneth and Keith (Lynn) Killips. Nieces and nephews, Jenniffer (Justin) DuEll, Ariana, Austin, Lindsay and David Hoon.  Great nieces and nephews, Sada Marie, Kameron Robert and Dante Lamar.

He is proceeded in death by his Father, Donald Robert and his Mother, Rose Marie and great nephew, Zavier James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests, memorials for the continuation of Terry's artistic legacy. The Killipsian Art Fund, including the future Killipsian Art Online Museum for future generations.

Memorials to go to the family to honor Terry can be sent care of Saether Funeral Service, PO Box 93, Blanchardville WI 53516.  Donations to support the Killipsian Art Fund can be made via Zelle, Paypal or Venmo to KillipsianArt@hotmail.com.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Terry's life and art will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Blanchard Hall at 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville, the town he loved and called home for the latter half of his life.  The gathering will begin at 1:00 PM with a service of blessing for Terry's life with music and word, and then continuing on with a reception of family and friends and a showing of examples of Terry's art until 5:00 PM.  The service time and a bit of the gathering time and art will be livestreamed for watching live or at a later time, and shared on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice

Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family with both services.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com or on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.

To view the memorial video created with photos provided by the family, please click this link:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/P7DHHN2ZNCCD6GDF