Ernst Clasen

Ernst Clasen

August 19, 1934 - January 02, 2025

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Obituary

LIVESTREAM SERVICE:

Ernst’s Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Monday, January 13, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”


MIDDLETON - Ernst Wilhelm “Ernie” Clasen, age 90, passed away on January 2, 2025. He was the son of the late Peter and Katherina (Blaumeiser) Clasen.


He grew up in Gerolstein, Germany. After having completed apprenticeships in baking and confection, Ernie moved to Wisconsin in 1957 to work for Dykeman Bakery. One year later his late beloved wife, Ruth, joined him and they were married on November 1, 1958. Ernie and his surviving brother, Ralph Clasen, started Clasen’s Bakery in 1959.


Ernie was a successful entrepreneur and the pioneer of his family. He was an intelligent businessman, a sharp investor and a practical problem solver.


Ruth was the love of Ernie’s life. Rarely seen apart, he lovingly took care of her for many years towards the end of her life.


Ernie had a deep affection for all animals, especially cats. He faithfully cared for many of them throughout his life. He was equally generous to his friends and family, often bringing them baked goods and groceries.


He will be greatly missed by his surviving brother, Ralph Clasen; sister, Ingrid Franke; nieces, Michelle Clasen and Anja Shepard; and his best friend, Tom Bodenstein.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. All friends of Ernie are invited.


In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dane County Humane Society or another animal shelter. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761



Events

13
Visitation
Mon Jan 13, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
13
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Jan 13, 2025 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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Ernst
JK
Jennifer Klepper
Other •
Condolences to the family. Ernie used to get his old blue van fixed at Bergstrom Chevy Middleton. He’d always come to the reception desk to say Hi and kiss my hand. I also remember him bringing us Clasen treats!! RIP Ernie and enjoy being with your wife again. 💜💜
ND
Natalie (Hellenbrand) Divyak
Other •
My first summer job, as a 16 year-old high school kid was working at Clasen's Candy Company, pounding chocolate squares out of metal molds, coming 4 at a time, down the conveyor belt. I ached so badly that first week! But I lasted there for 2 summers and after school nights too. Eventually he had me mixing and pouring chocolate into those molds. Ernie was strict but tolerant; there was no foolishness, but we workers could yak and yak as we worked the wrapper machine and filled the cartons. Although he was stern, there was merriment in his eyes and every so often his sense of humor had us laughing with him. I remember those days fondly! I no longer live in the Middleton area, but infrequently visit the Clasen's European Bakery. The accomplishments of Ernie and his brother Ralph are an inspiration to us all! May my first boss rest in peace. Amen.
P
Patrick
Other •
We moved to Madison in 1970, for my father to work on his PhD at the university, and soon thereafter discovered Clasen's Bakery. We would make the trek out there from Eagle Heights every couple weeks, loading up on bread, Swiss pizzas, and even more treats around the holidays (many of which were transported back to the East coast and given out as presents). As a kid, I especially loved walking along the candy manufacturing lines, examining the machines, and trying to figure out how they all worked. I wish I could have seen them in action! Later, after returning to Madison as a college student myself, I continued to treat my roommates to Clasen's goodies. Such amazing memories Ernie, Ralph, and the entire staff helped to create. My deepest condolences to the Clasen family, and a heartfelt thank you to all of you. Your family's impact on ours, and on the community at large, cannot be overstated.
BH
Barbara Heidecke
Other •
My sincere condolences to the Clasen family. I never met Ernst, but if it weren’t for him, I would not have a great part-time job at Clasen’s European Bakery. May he rest in peace.
HH
Horst Hart
Other •
So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, brother-in-law and uncle. We have shared so many good memories over all the years haven’t we? We will always remember him fondly. Sorry we cannot be at the service Monday but our thoughts will be with you. Horst & Mary Alice Hart
JO
John Ogden
Other •
Ernie, you will be missed more than you will ever know. You left a great impression on all that were lucky enough to meet you. Until we meet again. See you in Church~

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