Linda Martin Clauder

Linda Martin Clauder

March 25, 1941 - April 29, 2022

MADISON - Linda Martin Clauder, a prominent figure in Madison's arts world in the 1970s and 80s, died April 29, 2022.

Linda spent her entire professional career in public broadcasting, beginning in the WHA Radio record library in Old Radio Hall, through her leadership of Wisconsin Public Radio and Television's cultural programming. She initiated recording and broadcast of statewide festivals and concerts and helped found the popular series "Sunday Afternoon Live" from the (then) Elvehjem Museum.

On leave in 1984, she directed coverage of the Los Angeles International Olympic Arts Festival for KUSC-FM. Participating countries sent their finest arts and artists to perform over ten weeks for the LA audiences.

She returned to lead a precedent-setting project through University of Wisconsin Extension that produced distance education courses created by national scholar-teams, integrated with audio programs. The Annenberg Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting distributed it internationally.

In 1990 she moved to Wisconsin Public Television. As executive producer, she helped create a wide range of state-focused programs. She retired as director of strategic planning.

Linda was a professor in the UW Extension Department of Communications, serving twice as faculty senator. She was honored with the 1997, UWEX Career Award. She was a past president of the National Association of Music Personnel in Public Radio. Early on, she taught voice at the former Milton College.

Throughout her career Linda performed in musical theater, beginning as a collegiate in Wisconsin Idea Theater tours of Wisconsin and Europe. She played Hansel (Hansel & Gretel), Cherubino (Marriage of Figaro), Nicklause (Tales of Hoffmann), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Maisie (The Boyfriend), Rose (Bye Bye Birdie), Eve (The Apple Tree) and in revues Jacque Brel..., Façade, Follies and Oh, Coward. With Kay Lindblade and Del Lewis, she toured cabaret in Midwest Revues.

Linda served on the boards of Madison Civics Club, Madison Opera Guild, Madison Repertory Theater, Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society and UW Opera Props. She was on committees for the Governor's Cultural Congress, SOS Children's Villages Benefit, Madison Civic Center Opening Festival, and the Madison Friendship Force. She was a member of Phi Beta Professional Arts Fraternity and Euterpe Music Club.

At a post-concert party in 1987, she met her partner for life, Dr. Zorko Greblo. In retirement, they traveled much of the globe, always on the lookout for arts events and venues. A yearlong stay in New Zealand introduced them to life on the Pacific Rim.

Linda L. Clauder was born March 25, 1941, in her great-grandmother's house at Mt. Sterling WI. She graduated first in her class from Prairie du Chien HS. At UW-Madison, she completed the two-year ILS course, earning B.A. senior honors and an M.A. in applied music and art history.

She is survived by her partner, Dr. Zorko Greblo of Madison; brother, Richard Martin, Prairie du Chien WI; nephew, Craig (Lisa) Martin; daughters: Malena and Claire, Seymour WI; and the sons of nephew: Rick Martin, Eric and Matthew. Also surviving her are Zorko's children, Rene Greblo (Siena Esposito), daughters: Simone and Genevieve of Chicago; Vivian Greblo (Dan Wolf), daughter Nina of Alexandria VA; and Paul (Susan) Greblo, daughters: Cecily and Rosamond of Madison.

She was formerly married to John Clauder, and was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Juanita Vogel Martin; her sister-in-law, Sharon Martin; and her nephew, Rick Martin.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service.

Suggested remembrances: UW Madison School of Music Alumni Scholarships, Prairie du Chien High School Futures Scholarship Fund, or an arts organization.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406