Clare Thomas Gretebeck

Clare Thomas Gretebeck, 90, passed away in his daughter's care in Stevens Point on December 16, 2024, after a long-term illness. He was born and lived on a farm near Albion, WI and attended Stoughton High School. He went on to be an early student at the reorganized Wisconsin State College at Platteville, WI, graduating with an Education Degree in Agriculture and General Science. He joined the Madison Brigade of the 32nd Infantry Division of the Army National Guard in 1952 and continued to serve in the Reserves throughout the early 1960’s. He married Carol Campbell of Castle Rock near Monfort, WI in 1956. Clare worked in various teaching and sales positions until he and his wife purchased a floral and greenhouse operation in Merrill, WI in 1963. He operated that business under the name Green's Flower Shop through 1977. He had been a member of several social groups while in Merrill and continued to be active in the Masonic Lodge until his health declined. After the sale of the business, he took a real estate sales position until becoming a Horticulturist for the Marathon County Park Department in Wausau in 1979 where he retired from in 1998.

Clare is preceded in death by his wife Carol. He is survived by son, Todd (Carol) Gretebeck of Racine, WI and their grandson, Chase (Sarah) Wember of Minneapolis who regarded him as “Big Grandpa”; daughter, Lisa (Keith) Yolitz of Stevens Point, WI; and son, Mark (Melissa) Gretebeck with grandson Tucker and granddaughters Taylor, Ella, and Danika all of Sparta, WI. Clare has many cousins, nieces and nephews he held in his heart.

Prior to his debilitating illness, he enjoyed his grandchildren and vacationing in Texas. After his wife's passing, he had a special friendship with Ange Martens of Wausau, WI, and they attended many Square-Dancing Festivals travelling throughout the Midwest. His love of growing plants lasted throughout his lifetime, and he often maintained beautiful flower beds wherever he was, including the beautiful hanging baskets in downtown Wausau, starting them from seed in the winter. He also had a love for the woods and waters of Northern Wisconsin and his cabin in the New Wood area in Lincoln County. The northern hardwoods are featured in his casket of his own choosing in honor of this.

A funeral service will be held Monday, December 23, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Brainard Funeral Home- Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with a Masonic Service at 12:45 pm. Burial at Restlawn Memorial Park will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family who will donate to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

The family wishes to thank Courtney from Compassus Hospice for her humanity and professional service, as well as the other hospice workers, all greatly appreciated for the work they continue to do.

Clare had a witty sense of humor together with a huge smile that everyone remembers fondly. His was a life well lived and will be missed greatly by everyone that knew him. A man of few words that cared deeply for his family, loved animals, and will be remembered as a loving Dad and Grandpa forever.