CLAYTON J. HOSCH

Clayton J. Hosch, 80, of Caledonia, died Saturday, June 05, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 5, 1930, in his home on West Ave. in La Crosse, WI to Bernice (Peter) and Anthony Hosch. They moved to Caledonia in 1940 where his parents owned and operated The Hosch Tavern. He attended St. Peters Catholic Central Grade School and Loretta High School, graduating in 1948. He was in business with his parents until he entered the Air Force in 1951, where he was trained as an Air Policeman. He was stationed at the Pentagon with Top Secret Clearance until 1955 when he returned to Caledonia and worked at St. Mary's Body Shop. He married Janene Lee on May 4th, 1957, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Caledonia. Clayton and his wife owned and operated the Standard Oil Station, Caledonia Sanitary Service, and the Caledonia Hotel and Café. During that time, Clayton served as a PT City of Caledonia Police Officer, drove school bus for Karrel's Bus Service, and worked as a bookkeeper at Weichert Motors. He worked at Erickson Bakery in La Crosse where he drove semi and served as the bakery's 'Jacks of All Trades. At the age of 53, he attended WWTC and graduated with Honors with an Associate Degree in Accounting. He sold insurance with Quality Insurance and Farm Bureau and then took an accounting position with Farm Power and Equipment/Caledonia Chrysler of Caledonia from where he retired in 1992. For 20 years he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Caledonia Fire Dept. He believed strongly in firearm safety and volunteered for 17 years as a MN State Firearms Safety Instructor for the youth of the Caledonia area. He was always readily available for his family and friends who needed a hand with any project, whether big or small. His loves were his family, reading, playing cards, camping, traveling, fishing the trout streams and hunting the hills and bluffs of Houston County. He truly loved traveling with his family throughout his entire life. When his children were young, Clayton, along with his wife often took them on family vacations. Clayton and Janene also enjoyed taking their grandchildren on vacations, outings and camping trips. He and Janene traveled to all 50 states with 4 trips to Alaska all by vehicle and fishing salmon at Valdez. He was always willing to do the 'honey do list' for Janene but would often say "it can't be done", but by the next day he would have it all figured out. The last 12 years he was able to spend winters in Texas with his loving wife and best friend and of course remodeled their home in Alamo, TX. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia, where he volunteered his many talents; he was a member of the American Legion Eikens Post 191 for over 50 years; Life member of the NRA; a volunteer with Veteran's services; and active with many community organizations and committees. Clayton is survived by his wife of 53 years; five children, Mark of Caledonia; Steven (Victoria) of St. Michael, MN, Mary (Mark) Betz, of Caledonia, James (Shelly) of New Albin, IA, and Kathleen (Ron) Lund of Caledonia; eight grandchildren, Chelsea (Randy) Lenneman and Tonye Hosch both of St. Michael; Meghan and Alexander Betz of Caledonia; Tyler and Jacob Hosch of New Albin, IA; and Erik and Rachel Lund of Caledonia; two great-granddaughters, Ava and Kennedy Lenneman of St. Michael, MN; two brothers, Darrel (Carol) Hosch of La Crescent, MN and Robert (Irene) Hosch of Caledonia; Mother-in-Law, Mildred Lee of Caledonia; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Burmaster; infant grandson Peter Hosch; and Father-in-law, Edmund Lee. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 12th, 2010 at 11:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caledonia, with burial with military honors, to follow in the Calvary Catholic cemetery. Friends may call Friday, June 11, from 4pm to 7pm at Holy Family Hall at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caledonia, with a prayer service at 7pm. They may also call from 10am until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family asks that you bring your favorite memory of Clayton so we may add it to our memory journal or make memorial to the Landscaping fund at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

CLAYTON J. HOSCH

March 5, 1930 - June 5, 2010