Clarence Straavaldsen

MADISON- Clarence Straavaldsen, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, at the Nazareth House in Stoughton. He was born on March 3, 1930, in Madison, the son of C.W. Straavaldsen and Julia (Johnson) Straavaldsen. Clarence married Joan Doring in 1950. She passed away in 1979. Clarence lived in Anchorage, Alaska from 1981 until 1993, where he married Jackie (Senteney) Cuccia in August of 1983. In his younger years, basketball was Clarence’s passion. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards, along with having coffee with his crossing guard buddies. Clarence also loved hunting and fishing. He adored his grandchildren and especially enjoyed family get-togethers. Clarence is survived by his wife, Jackie; son, Steve (Deb) Straavaldsen; daughter, Mary (Mike) Schmidt; son-in-law, Jeff Schiess; Cathy Cuccia (Larry), Pat (Jim) O’brien, Gina (RJ) Newell, Tracy (Jeff) Lipinski, Jim (Kris) Cuccia; grandchildren, Jenna O’brien, Maggie O’brien, Johanna (Per) Tonn, Lauren Newell, James Straavaldsen, Tim (Tori) Schiess, Russell Schmidt, Chris Schiess, Bryan Schmidt and Robert (Emily) Newell; great-grandchildren, Elliot Tonn, Hudson Schiess and Robert Oscar Newell; brother, Richard (Judy) Straavaldsen; and sister, Joyce Ridenour. He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Joan; daughter, Ann Schiess; brothers, Vic and Wayne Straavaldsen; and infant brother, Robert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420