Dr. Clare F. Hutson M.D.

Dr. Clare F. Hutson, M.D.

MADISON - Dr. Clare F. Hutson, of Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully at age 95, at Agrace HospiceCare, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Clare was the eldest of three children born to Carl and Selma (Cleven) Hutson. He grew up on the family farm near Kendall, Wis., an experience which he valued throughout his long life.

After graduating from Kendall High School, Clare helped out on his parents' farm and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served two and a half years, stationed in Japan during the post-war period, which instilled a fondness for Japan and for travel in general. After he was discharged, Clare attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the GI Bill, where he met his future wife, Nancy Blodau, in German Club.

Clare went on to medical school at the University of Wisconsin. During his med school rotations, Clare came to the attention of Dr. Peter Duehr, who convinced the young man to make his career in ophthalmology. Clare became a partner with the Davis-Duehr eye clinic where he would practice for over 30 years, eventually specializing in treatment of the retina. In addition, he was a clinical associate professor with the UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

His interests included photography, high fidelity stereo music systems, skiing, travel to Japan, Philippines and Europe and listening to opera and classical music. With his wife, Nancy, he enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Big Sky, Mont. Clare was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison.

Clare valued the people in his life. He was a proud, caring, and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. In addition, many of the people he met, both in his own community and from around the world, remained lifelong friends. Into his last days, when family or caregivers were leaving the house, Clare would often say "call us when you get home." He never lost the ability to show concern for others.

Some of our favorite memories of Clare include him picking strawberries in the summer heat into his 80s - with the promise of enjoying strawberry shortcake afterwards; treating us to Culver's (yes, vanilla is a flavor); driving the old Farmall at the farm with assorted kids and later grandkids riding behind in the little yellow trailer; and long driving trips out west to and through the Rocky Mountains.

Clare is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy; children, Fred (Gretchen) Hutson, Anne (Ed) Sommers, Karen Hutson and Alan (Amani) Hutson; and grandchildren, Emily Hutson, Allison Witschey, Jessica Hutson, Thomas Sommers, Amy Hoffman, Joseph Sommers, Michael Sommers, Eddie Sommers and Neil Hutson.

Clare was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirley Peterson; and his brother, Ken Hutson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Thom Casper, for his timely and wise advice; the caregivers from BrightStar and Agrace Age at Home, for their care of "Dr. Clare"; Agrace Hospice for valuable support at home; and Agrace HospiceCare for care and support during Clare's last days.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022, followed by a graveside service at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 12 noon. Friends and family who wish to view the service via Live Stream may do so by visiting Clare's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and clicking on the Watch Webcast link at 11 a.m. central time on Saturday. A visitation will then be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420