Clarence B. Galecke

Clarence B. Galecke, age 89, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, formerly of Wautoma, passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the Life Care Center Long Term Care Nursing Home in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Clarence was born the son of Michael and Julia (Cieslewicz) Galecke on March 21, 1929 in Plover, WI.  He was a 1948 graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point.  He was united in marriage to Diana Lehman on June 7, 1969, in Wautoma, WI.

Clarence began his career with the State of Wisconsin in 1951 as a Conservation Aid at the Nekoosa Ranger Station.  In 1953, he transferred to Wautoma as equipment operator/mechanic for the Wautoma area.  In 1971, Clarence was promoted to area fire control dispatcher at Wautoma.  During his early career, he was instrumental in organizing the newly built Wautoma Ranger Station and played an important role in charting the future of the newly organized extensive forest protection area in Wautoma. The stately trees and beautiful landscaping at the Wautoma station were the products of Clarence's early efforts to his dedication to the department and the forest fire control effort in the Wautoma area.  His dedication in serving the public earned him respect and gratitude of Waushara County citizens and fellow employees.  His reassuring voice on the radio and the telephone comforted and aided many persons needing information and assistance throughout his career.  He also served as a Special Conservation Warden for over 30 years.  He retired in July 1987 after completing over 36 years of faithful service with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

During his residence in Wautoma, he also served as a Special Deputy with the Waushara County Sheriff's Department, as a Deputy with the Wautoma Police Department and as a Water Patrol Officer for the Town of Marion.

In 1991, Clarence and his wife moved to Sierra Vista, AZ.  During his early residence years in Sierra Vista, he volunteered over 1800 hours for the Coronado National Forest in the Huachuca Mountains checking campsites for unattended campfires and collecting litter.  He also volunteered for several years for the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a Roadside Assist throughout Cochise County.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 49 years, Diana, his brother, Robert (Jackie) of Dallas, TX, sister-in-law, Judy of New Franken, WI, and 29 nieces and nephews, further relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by Infant Daughter Mary, brothers Norbert and Eugene and sister-in-law, Irene, and his parents.

We offer a special thank you to the nurses, CNAs and staff at Life Care Center of Sierra Vista for Clarence's care and friendship during the past six years.  We thank all the faithful friends who visited him often throughout those years and who continued to remember him and his family in their thoughts and prayers.  A sincere thank you to Our Lady of the Mountains and St. Andrews Catholic Churches and Sierra Lutheran Church for their continued faithful service to Clarence and his family.