Waunakee, WI

In the late hours of January 2, 2017, a kind-hearted, fun-loving, mechanically-gifted, businessman quietly slipped away from us..… another victim of the deadly ravages of dementia. To the end, his smile could light up an entire room.

He leaves behind a deeply grieving family: Luella, his wife of 65 years; daughters, Tanya Clausen, Kim (Jeff) Lange, Toni Ripp and son Dell Downer; granddaughters, Jade & Nikki Ripp, Denise, Bobbi Jo, and Raquel Downer, sister-in-law Joey Cleberg; nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Clifton Clausen, Sr.; siblings, Marvel Scott, Lucille Sayen, Robert Clausen; daughter, Dawn Clausen; son-in-law, David Ripp; daughter-in-law, Linda Downer; sister-in-law, Hazel Redman; brother-in-law, Harvey Cleberg; father-in-law, Henry Cleberg.

Clif was born on June 27, 1930 in Upper Michigan. He began his career in the logging industry and after moving to Madison, worked in trucking with Oscar Mayers. In 1965, Clif and Lou bought the Thunderbird Supper Club in DeForest where he became well-known for his Old Fashioneds. That career would last 35 years and lead to many wonderful friendships.

Thank you to the staff of Columbia Health Care Center for all your gentle care of Dad when we were no longer capable. You know who you are and our appreciation is immense. Thank you to Agrace HospiceCare, Baraboo, without whom this journey would have been so much harder. And, a special thank you to our dear friends, Mary Jo and Roger Reentz, for always “being there” even to the end.

A visitation-reception will be at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest on January 11th from 3- 6 pm. Goodbye to a man who always told us “I measure my life by the number of laughs I’ve had and I’ve had a lot of them”. Thanks, Daddy, for all the fun and laughs. Your girls love you so much.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6024 Lake Road

608-846-4250

Clifton Clausen

June 27, 1930 - January 03, 2017

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