Donald Clyde Clute's Obituary
Donald Clyde Clute, age 86, passed away at home on May 31, 2016. Donald was born in Oshkosh on March 14, 1930 the son of Harvey C. Clute and Claire E. Koss Clute. Donald was also raised by his stepfather Byron Smick who was a loving dad. He married Phyllis M. Homolka on September 16, 1950 at St. John's Catholic Church, Oshkosh. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1987. He is survived by his daughters; Cherie L. Clute and Tina M. Clute, of Oshkosh. Grandsons; D. Gregory Dobberke and Jeffrey D. (Dawn) Dobberke of Oshkosh. Sisters; Stacy M. (Michael) Clausen and Sandra Smick of Oshkosh. He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis; Parents Harvey and Claire; Stepfather Byron; In-laws Frank and Marie D. Neubauer Homolka; infant brother Harvey Clute Jr; brother-in-law Floyd F. Homolka; sister-in-law Mary Martin Homolka and fiancé Ruth Nasi. Don lived in Racine, WI and California for a brief time when he was a child but lived most of his life in Oshkosh, WI until he moved to Omro, WI in 1995. Henry Ford became Don's idol when he began his Ford Model T hobby in 1961. He purchased a broken down Sedan and restored it to mint condition. That car was followed by a Roadster, Depot Hack, two Speedsters, four Touring Cars, a Pie Wagon, Delivery Truck, and a Pickup Truck. A total of 12 vehicles he either restored or built from scratch using authentic Ford Model T parts for his personal collection. He became an expert on Model T's and many people sought him out for advice, parts, repairs or restorations. Donald and Phyllis Clute were responsible for getting the State of Wisconsin 1979 Assembly 635 Bill, an Act to Amend 341.265 of the state statues, relating to the use of antique motor vehicles signed by Governor Lee Dreyfus. This allowed owners of antique cars over 40 years old to use special license plates but be able to drive them regularly instead of parades only. They were presented with one of the pens the Governor used to sign the bill in Madison, WI. Don and his wife Phyllis enjoyed traveling around the country sightseeing, shopping at Swap Meets and flea markets or visiting friends. They loved to go riding in their Model T's around the area. Don was employed with construction companies, Neenah Foundry, Guernsey Dairy Company, Duo Safety Ladder, American Excelsior Company, and retired from the Universal Foundry in 1984. He was a talented man, "jack of all trades". Don loved to work and was always creating new projects. He built and remodeled his homes and made furniture, in addition to working on his Model T's. He will be missed by his family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 12 noon at the Fiss & Bills Funeral Home at 865 S. Westhaven Drive. Oshkosh, WI 54904. Father William Van De Kreeke will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 9 am until the time of service. Committal services will be held on Monday at 11:30 am at Lake View Memorial Park.
Fiss & Bills Funeral Home
865 S. Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920) 235-1170
www.fissbillspoklasnyfuneralhome.com
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