Clare Pehl

With the family at her side, Mom received her reward of eternal life on Sunday March 11, 2018. After a brief illness she passed peacefully at her home at Rachel's Choice in Monroe at the age of 80. Clarice Irene was born on May 12, 1937 in Beloit WI, the daughter of Chester and Gladys (Hogan) Berget. The family moved to the Wiota area where she attended the Porter country grade school and graduated from South Wayne High School. On September 7, 1957 she married the love of her life, Don Pehl, and they shared 51 years of marriage before his passing on October 2, 2008. Mom was a caring person. She stayed at home during our childhood and even cared for the neighborhood kids. She enjoyed entertaining, making sure that no one was without an invitation. She sent cards and letters to people on her mind. She was concerned about the neighbors and friends in their times of need and the daily breakfast clutch at the Nixon House was like being with family. When Dad was an over the road trucker, he was Mom's number one priority when he returned home. Mom loved to sing. She sang for weddings, funerals, at church, for family and community events, and many times just for fun. Often, this included duets with dear friend Ruby Rygh. She had been a member of the Sweet Adelines for several years. Mom loved animals, especially hummingbirds and cats. Strays were welcomed. Bird feeders were full. Mom was a doer, seldom sitting still. The yard was pristine with trees and flowers and rarely a weed anywhere. The house was super organized and windows were clean. There were many years of Norwegian cookies baked and shared with others. She planned in advance and we arrived early wherever we went. Mom was known for wanting to capture the special moments of life. We have bins full of photo albums as well as cassette recordings for reminiscing. After raising the family, Mom was a wide load escort driver, worked at the Black Hawk schools in various capacities, and was an overnight care giver. Mom was a devout Christian and was a lifelong member of the Wiota Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the church council and a ladies circle, sang in the choir, organized music for special occasions, and helped in the kitchen. Mom had a best friend in Lenita Stark. They spent years nurturing each other through the good and bad, happy and sad times. We consider Lenita our second mom and know she is hurting as much as we are. Left on earth to cherish the memories are daughter Brenda (Art) Payne, Monroe; sons Brad (Nancy), Juda; Todd (Jean), Janesville; and Tim (Rhonda), Gratiot. Her grandchildren are Rianna (Jeremy) Christen Tiffany, Mitchell Christen, Amber (Tyler) Ritschard, and Mackenzie (Brian) McCauley. In addition there are 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her to Heaven were her parents, husband Don, brother Lawrence Berget, sister Virginia Monaghan, sister-in-law Evelyn Berget Lehman, and brother-in-law Jack Monaghan. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 State Road 78, South Wayne, WI 53587) with Rev. Traci Maass officiating. Burial will be in West Wiota Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Rachel's Choice for the loving compassion given to Mom. We were truly comforted in these last weeks knowing she was with you. Thank you to the Agrace Hospice team for the helpful care you gave.