Clarence E. Stange, age 91 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Rainbow Hospice Care in Johnson Creek.
Clarence was born on December 18, 1924 on the family farm in rural Juneau, the son of Herman and Ella (Knoll) Stange. From 1950-52, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, working in communications and serving as a corporal during the Korean War. He later served in the Army Reserves and enjoyed getting together over the years with fellow comrades in Dodge County. Clarence was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Keel on September 17, 1955 at Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam. Together they enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Clarence worked as an apprentice for a local mason and barn equipment salesman. He later took over the business naming it Stange Sales & Service.
Clarence enjoyed traveling and it didn’t matter if it was by plane, train or automobile. Clarence and Mary loved traveling together, as well as taking camping trips with the family. In recent years he looked forward to trips up north to the cabin and pontoon boat rides on Musser Lake. A road trip to the local casino was always welcome too. Clarence was very musically inclined, playing the banjo, harmonica, drums and button box accordion. He also loved dancing with his wife. He enjoyed many different radio programs, most notably the local Barn Show.
His family was always very important to Clarence. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed creating traditions, like Park Plaza Pizza Nights and shooting pool together. His family still continues to shoot pool after being taught by Clarence on the pool table he originally bought. He was a member of Trinity Church – United Methodist and was proudly escorted to Washington DC by daughter, Rachel, on the Badger Honor Flight in May 2013. His pranks and loving demeanor will be dearly missed.
Clarence is survived by his children, Brent (Cheri) Stange, Rebecca (Michael) Wissell and Rachel (Joseph) Meier, all of Beaver Dam; his former son-in-law, Jeff Beyer of Beaver Dam; his grandchildren, Ryan Kline, Cory Beth (Michael) Gade, Adam (fiancée Becky Jo Wade) Beyer, Madelyn (Mark) Buchda, Molly Wissell; great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Brandon Kline, Eli and Henry Buchda; siblings, Herman Stange of Horicon, Evaline (Herb) Lidtke of Beaver Dam, Frederick (Mary) Stange of Juneau, Helen Zwieg of Watertown; sister-in-law, Mildred Bunkoske of Horicon and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ellen in 2011; his daughter, Laura Lee Beyer in 2003; his parents-in-law; his brothers, Earl and Milton; his sister, Ethel Nedow and other relatives.
A funeral service for Clarence will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church – United Methodist, 308 Oneida St., Beaver Dam with Rev. Jeff Nicholas officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Leipsig Cemetery, town of Beaver Dam with graveside military honors provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146.
Visitation for Clarence will take place on Friday, January 8, 2016 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam and also on Saturday, prior to the funeral at church, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
