Final Salute

December 31, 1930 – July 13, 2025

Arthur Herbert Cothran Jr, age 94, beloved husband of Suzanne Cothran and resident of Beaver Dam, Wis., passed away on July 13, 2025 at Randolph Health Services and Assisted Living facility from complications from a recent stroke. Art was born in Buffalo, N.Y., to parents Arthur Herbert Cothran, Sr. and Lois Lavonne Blew.

Art was raised in Youngstown, N.Y., and is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerauld Walter Cothran. Arthur is survived by his wife, Suzanne Uhrich Cothran, and the mother of his children, Christabel Ann Messenger. Art’s children are Jennifer Cothran of Green River, Utah, Jessica (Bruce) Cramer of Sun Prairie, Scott (Janice) Uhrich of Beaver Dam, Theresa Jorgensen of Knoxville, Tenn., James Uhrich of Whitewater, Wis. He has 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Art completed his doctoral work in Educational Administration at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, his Master’s degree in Industrial Arts at University of Wisconsin-Stout, and his undergrad in History at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. He was a Navy veteran in the SeaBee’s Construction Battalion during the Korean War. He had a number of careers throughout his life, including working as a carpenter, working in graphic arts and industrial art, wood working, and auto mechanics. Art was instrumental in founding the Beaver Dam Vocational Technical school, the Alanon Club and served as the Vice-Principal at the high school. He was an avid gardener, a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Randolph and participated in a number of mission trips to Peru, South America.

Memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 702 North High St., Randolph Wis., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 2 p.m., with refreshments to follow. Visitation before the service from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Burial will take place at Oakland Rural Cemetery in Youngstown, N.Y., at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would please send a donation to the church or the mission organization of your choice in Art’s name.

Koepsell-Murry Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.