Daniel L. Clair, 58, of Wilton died Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Tomah Memorial Hospital.
He was born to Lloyd W. and Dorothy A. (Reeck) Clair in Sparta. He was a member of the Royall graduating class of 1973; he continued his education and received his degree in commercial art from the Wausau Art College. He worked as a commercial artist for MECA Sportswear for 15 years; he lived in Chicago until 1985. That is when his father died and he moved back to Wilton to assist his mother. While living in Wilton, he was a self-employed artist and did the paintings for the welcome signs for Wilton and Ontario and for many other area projects. Dan’s passion in art was his painting. He enjoyed taking photos, working in his garden on his flowers, playing chess, and cooking. He was an avid horse and nature enthusiast and raised emus and trained riding horses, spending time “penning” with his friends. Dan was a loving and caring individual, and his family was most important to him. He was always willing to help out anyone.
He is survived by a brother, James (Maxine) Clair of Ramsey, Minn.; three sisters, Esther (Roy) Catlin of Wells, Minn., Ruth (James) Dopson of West Salem, and Mary (Larry) Brieske of Norwalk; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lois McCallum
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 702 Center St., Wilton. Pastor Kathleen Wohlers will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Wilton
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 5–8 p.m. at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be given to sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
