Clarence A. Ready joined his beloved wife, Audrey, in heaven on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2018. Known as Red, he was recognized as a humble man who lived his life with integrity and honor. Born in Wausau on Aug. 17, 1930, to Clarence and Anne Ready (nee Buncak). Red learned to work hard at an early age in the family cheese factories and grandparents’ farm. He maintained a strong work ethic throughout his life working well into his senior years. Although he lived in Madison for most of his adult life, he was a country boy at heart. He loved time spent wandering country roads and in the northwoods. He joined the Air Force following high school. After serving his country, he attended UW-Madison and was involved with Sigma Nu fraternity. During a fraternity party, a young lady caught his eye. Audrey K. Nilles and Clarence married a month after graduating in 1956. Clarence adored his four daughters and raised them with grace and patience. With pride he welcomed three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His love, strength, and wisdom will always be there for his family. He worked most of his professional life in the insurance industry, predominantly at Wisconsin Mutual Insurance, serving on the board of directors for many years. He was a long-standing member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Community, which played a significant role in his life spiritually and where he fostered enduring friendships. The Community Thursday night guitar group was a particular joy of his life. Red shared his love of guitar with his granddaughter, Amanda. Since the early 1970s, Moon Beach Camp has been an annual retreat of quality family time, spiritual renewal, and connecting with friends in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
He is survived by his four daughters, Annemarie Ready, Maribeth Wendorf, Marcia Ready and Patty Ready-Zuberbier; grandchildren, Tyler (Liz) Wendorf, Westin (Sara) Waggener and Amanda Ready; and great-granddaughters, Belle Audrey, Aria Bee, and Eleanor Rose.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Audrey, and his parents, Clarence and Anne Ready.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 405 S. Owen Drive, Madison, on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at 11 a.m. with Father William Nolan presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. and at church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Clarence’s name may be sent to Moon Beach Camp, 1487 Moon Beach Road, St. Germain, WI 54558.
Please share memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com