Robert Gustav Clauss

MIDDLETON-Robert "Bob" Clauss, born Dec. 4, 1937, in Chicago, Ill., passed away on Dec. 25, 2015, surrounded by family, at the VA Hospice Center after a brief illness. Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1962. During his college career he proudly served in the U.S. Army and participated in the SIU Track and Field program. While in college he met his wife, Jan (Koster) of Carrollton, Ill. They raised their family in Middleton, Wis. and were happily married for over 53 years. His career included sales, real estate, and financial planning. Bob had many friends and will be remembered for his sense of humor and willingness to help out whenever asked. Bob never said no (except to his wife). His hobbies and activities included coaching his kids' sports teams, fishing, bowling, golf, following many different sports, spending time at the lake, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of St. Bernards Parish and was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Middleton Jaycees. Bob is survived by his wife, Jan; his four children, Marcie (Gary) Germann of Middleton, David (Julie) Clauss of San Diego, Calif., Stephen (Christine) Clauss of Pardeeville, Wis., and Sara (John) Leach of Waunakee, Wis.; siblings, Virginia (Bob) Turner of Lake Forest, Ill., Paul Clauss of Pompano Beach, Fla., and Helen Hedgepeth of Lumberton, N.C.; grandchildren, Megan and Kelsey Germann; Carrie, Courtney, Jacob and Caleb Clauss; Hannah and Lucy Leach; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Marie Clauss of Tuscon, Ariz.; a brother, Gus Clauss of El Paso, Texas; and a brother-in-law, Gene Hedgepeth of Lumberton, N.C. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. Friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at Paul's Neighborhood Bar & Grill in Middleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital or the Southern Illinois University Track and Field Program. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761