Arthur Marcotte

Arthur Marcotte, age 69, of Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth. An additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at the funeral home before processing to church. Memorials may be made to Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children.

Arthur was born on October 28, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Emil and Dorothy (Ultsch) Marcotte. He was the fifth of twelve siblings and grew up surrounded by the energy and camaraderie of a large family. Much of his youth was spent playing baseball and running around West Pullman Park with his brothers, cousins, and friends, laying the foundation for a lifelong sense of humor, fun, and devotion to family.

In his late teens, Arthur enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country and participated in the Vietnam evacuation efforts. Upon returning home, he met Donna, the love of his life. They were married in 1976 and shared many years together raising four children.

A gifted and dedicated painter by trade, Arthur spent many years working in Chicago before moving his family to Elizabeth in 1994. He was a proud union painter for more than 20 years and later operated the Marcotte Family Motel in Elizabeth, where he was known for his warmth and generosity.

Arthur was the embodiment of a fun-loving, present father. He filled his children’s childhoods with pillow fights, fort-building adventures, go-kart rides, and unwavering support at every game and event—always the loudest voice on the sidelines. He cherished his role as a grandfather, finding deep joy in sharing those same playful traditions with his grandchildren.

Known for his boisterous sense of humor, Arthur loved a good joke and had a passion for barbershop music, often singing in a quartet. He also found peace in the simplicity of an evening spent gazing over the countryside. His generosity was legendary. One memorable act of kindness came when a stranded family outside the motel needed to get their son to college; without hesitation, Arthur handed them his pickup truck, assuring them he’d take care of their car. That was Arthur—selfless, big-hearted, and always ready to help.

Arthur is deeply missed by his wife, Donna Marcotte of Elizabeth; three children, Jamie Marcotte of Hanover, IL, Phillip Marcotte of Orland Park, IL, and Stuart (Giselle) Marcotte of Soldotna, AK; seven grandchildren: Wendy, Alexander, Esmeralda, Phillip Arthur Marcotte Jr., Benjamin, Hannah, and Ronan; as well as Mario, his son’s best friend, who Arthur embraced as his own. He also held a special place in his heart for Trace and Adeline, who were like his own children.

He is survived by ten siblings: Mark (Susan) Marcotte, Dr. Gary (Christine) Marcotte, Todd (Laurie) Marcotte, Amy (Philip) LaJoie, Michael Marcotte, Brett (Jovalina) Marcotte, Reed Marcotte, Jodie Reitz, Holly Marcotte, and Kurt (Melissa) Marcotte, as well as 106 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Zachary; his parents, Emil and Dorothy Marcotte; his brother, Tracy; and his nephew, Jason.