David P. Aurelius

     David Aurelius, 73, of Ellison Bay passed away peacefully Monday, July 22, 2024, after a valiant, 10-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

     David grew up in St. Paul, MN, the youngest child of Paul and Marjorie Aurelius. He spent his childhood as a Boy Scout, going to YMCA Camp St. Croix, camping in the summer with his family, spending time with his cousins on the lake and finding mischief of one kind or another.

     His artistic interests started at a young age; proudly supported by his parents. While attending University High School in Minneapolis, MN, he realized he wanted to become a potter. After graduating “U” High in 1968, he went on to study at the University of Minnesota and after that furthered his education in art and ceramics at Luther College in Decorah, IA. For five summers, David studied pottery at Pond Farm in Guerneville, CA, under the direction of Bauhaus-trained, Marguerite Wildenhain.

     He met the love of his life, Jeanne Svien, at Luther College in the fall of 1970. They “got married in a fever” in Decorah, IA, on June 3, 1972, and have been inseparable ever since.

     A lifelong learner and artist, David worked as a professional potter alongside his partner in love and life, Jeanne. From 1974 – 1976, they owned Washington Prairie Pottery in Decorah, IA, where their studio was a remodeled chicken coop. In February of 1976, they decided to make Door County their home and moved to Ellison Bay, establishing Clay Bay Pottery. There, they created a life together that was built on the love of pursuing their dreams and each other.

     David was best known for his beautiful, classical forms, abstract designs and using birds and nature as his inspiration. For 48 years, David and Jeanne ran a successful business and impacted their community with their ability to add beauty in everyone's lives – from large tile murals in schools to the smallest coffee mugs in peoples’ homes.

     David was a devoted father to Lauren Marie and Martha Lenore. From road trips to international adventures, he loved traveling with his family. David was always there with endless love and support for whatever dream they set out to achieve. As a grandfather to Marjorie and Leon, David shared his love of sweet treats and was given the name “Grandpa Cookie”. His tender-loving care was always present in their lives.

     A champion of the arts, David mentored many students to pursue their own artistic talents. He served as a board member for the Door County Chamber of Commerce, the Door County Potters’ Guild, Peninsula School of Art and was a devoted volunteer at the Door Community Auditorium. His contributions to the Door County community and beyond have made a significant impact on us all.

     David was a pun-loving, history buff and never turned down a dance with Jeanne. When working in their studio, music was ever-present from Bob Dylan to Shawn Colvin. On his days off, you could find him riding his bike or cross-country skiing through Peninsula State Park, sailing the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, swimming at Europe Bay, voraciously reading mysteries and always the Sunday New York Times, planting trees and gardening or cheering on his local baseball team, the Sister Bay Bays.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeanne; daughters, Lauren Aurelius (Fred Wahlen), Martha (Adam) Hutchinson; grandson, Leon; sister, Ann Aurelius; brother, John (Maureen) Aurelius; brothers-in-law, John Svien and Bill (LeAnne DeTrana) Svien; sisters-in-law, Mary (Dan) Schiltz and Suzanne (Rick) Wells; many nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Marjorie June Aurelius; parents, Paul and Marjorie Aurelius; in-laws, Orvin and Dorothy Svien; and niece, Krista Heilman.

     The Aurelius family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Karen Blindauer, Dr. J. Joshua Rebhan, Dr. Tucker Emerson, Lori Pothast, Dawn Lewen, Alison Werner, Ashley Lusk and Jennifer Berns.

     A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay. Visitation will be Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, and continue Saturday at the church, prior to the memorial, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to these organizations which meant a great deal to David: Door County Secret Santa, Stewards of the Redwoods-Pond Farm, Peninsula School of Art- ceramics department, Door Community Auditorium Annex Campaign and the Wisconsin Parkinson Association.

     Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay is assisting the Aurelius family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of David may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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