Clara R. Gandolph

Clara R. Gandolph

March 29, 1936 - June 15, 2026

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Obituary

DEFOREST - Clara R. Gandolph (Vick), age 90, of DeForest, and formerly of Monona, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Sienna Meadows - DeForest. She was born on March 29, 1936, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Hiram Vick and Theo (Denson) Vick.

 

Clara graduated from Madison East High School in 1954. Clara was a lively bartender in the Madison area for 22 crazy, happy, fun-filled years.  She was known for her warm personality and ability to connect with people. Over the years, she built lasting friendships with patrons at Town Pump in Verona, Packer Inn, Diamond Jim's, and Union House Tavern. Clara also worked as a Purchasing Agent for UW-Madison and retired after many years from State Business Services with the State of Wisconsin.

 

Clara was an accomplished athlete whose love of softball began on the fields near her childhood home, where she spent countless hours developing her skills. Her dedication and talent led her to become a home run hitter in Madison’s original women’s fast-pitch softball league. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to sing. She also treasured life's quieter moments, finding happiness in reading and writing stories, and working on crossword puzzles.  

 

Clara is survived by her children, Toni (Gerry) Nordness, Tammi (Gary) Buhler, Philip (Andrea) Gandolph and Philana (Eugene) Friede; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brother, Robert Vick; sister-in-law, Nancy Vick; and many nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Donna Wrend, Betty Webb, Richard Vick and Thomas E. Vick; former husband, Philip Gandolph; and children, Joseph Gandolph and Barbara Valley.

 

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026. A burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens, 3054 County Road BB, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

18
Visitation
Sat Jul 18, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
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20
Graveside Service
Mon Jul 20, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Hwy BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions

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Clara
AG
A Memorial Tree was planted for Clara R. Gandolph
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
JE
Jo Ann Eckstein
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Our favorite memory of Clara was a canoe trip down the Kickapoo River many years ago. She was so much fun!! Our thoughts & prayers are with all. Bob & Jo Ann Eckstein
CB
Carrie Burke
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Keep singing Clara. Fly away! With love and hugs,
PF
Philana Friede
Other •
When I think of Clara, one of the first things I remember is her singing. Clara loved music — and she wasn’t the kind of person who waited for a stage, a microphone, or an invitation. If a song came to mind, Clara was ready to perform. One of her favorites was “Show Me How to Milk a Cow.” Now, I’m not sure how many people have ever considered that song a personal anthem, but Clara had a way of making it sound like it belonged on the top of the charts. She would belt it out with such confidence and such delight that you couldn’t help but stop, laugh, and enjoy the moment. Clara didn’t worry about whether she sounded like a professional singer. She sang because it made her happy — and because making other people smile made her happy too. That was Clara’s gift. She brought joy wherever she went. She reminded us that life is meant to be lived with a little laughter, a little music, and maybe, every now and then, a song about milking a cow. I hope wherever Clara is now, there’s a good audience, a strong voice, and someone ready to sing along.

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