Obit: Fontaine, Clement C. (1922 – 2009)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

E-mail: eldolken@potc.net

Surname: Fontaine, Quackenbush, Hanson, Kwint, Ryan, Gorman, Salter, Stimac Steiner

---Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson, Co. WI.) August 19, 2009

---Fontaine, Clement C “Clem” (26 April 1922 – 12 August 2009) With Flag

Clement C. “Clem” Fontaine, 87, of Black River Falls died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in his home with his family present and under the care of Black River Memorial Hospice.

Clem was born April 26, 1922, in Ixonia, Jefferson County, to Ervent Francis and Angeline Fontaine.  He was raised in Milwaukee.

He received his bachelor of education degree from Whitewater State Teacher’s College and undertook graduate studies at the University of Kansas, the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota.

Clem was a World War II United States Marine Corps veteran, who entered the Marine Corps Aug. 15, 1942, and served in Japan and Guam.  He also served during the Korean War and, from July 1950 to August 1981, with the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

He married Donna Mae Quackenbush Aug. 9, 1947, in Black River Falls; Donna preceded him in death March 19, 1985.  He later married Sheila Katherine Hanson Oct. 24, 1986, in Black River Falls; Sheila preceded him in death June 27, 2000.  Clem was also preceded in death by his parents, Ervent and Angeline Fontaine Kwint; a son, Leslie E. Fontaine; a brother, Leslie Erwin Fontaine; and a sister, Genevieve Fontaine Ryan.

For many years, Clem was a member of the faculty and coaching staff at Black River Falls High School.  He later worked as a computer scientist at the Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis where he and his wife, Donna, lived for several years. After retirement, he returned to Black River Falls where he has lived for nearly 30 years.

He was a member of the Thompson-Red Cloud VFW Post 1959 of Black River Falls and the American Legion of Minnesota.  He was also a member of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and a contributor to animal rescue organizations and other charitable groups.

Clem was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing pool and travelling.  He was committed to conservation and animal welfare causes, collected coins and stamps and loved music, playing Clarinet as a young man and appreciating music throughout his life.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Frances Fontaine of Washington, DC, and Carolyn Rae Gorman of Turin, Italy; a son, Gary “Gus” Fontaine of Clarkston, WA; two granddaughters, Leslie Rose Fontaine Alter of Minneapolis, MN, and Lindy Angela Lafontaine of Berkeley, CA; a great-grandson, Evan James Salter of Minneapolis; a sister Viola Stimac of Milwaukee and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at the Shamrock Union Cemetery, Town of Manchester, with the Rev. Fr. John Steiner officiating.  Military graveside honors were provided by the Miles-Hagen American Legion Post 200 and the Thompson-Red Cloud VFW Post 1959.

Family and friends were invited for visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Aug. 16, 2009, at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls.

Memorials may be given to either the Black River Memorial Homecare and Hospice or the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.