Clarence "Fuzzy" Blatz

Clarence G. "Fuzzy" Blatz, 95, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, died at St. Francis Home on March 3, 2026. God called him home and he boldly stepped into his next life, where he is at peace.

Clarence was born at the family farm on May 27, 1930, in Dotyville, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Dora Blatz, the fourth of their five children. A mischievous young man who was always looking for a way to get out of doing his chores, he quickly earned the nickname "Fuzzy," after the comedic sidekick of Western star Lash LaRue. Most of us thought he had that nickname because of his trademark flat top buzz cut!

A devout Catholic, after graduating from St. Mary's Springs High School in 1948, he served in the United States Air Force for a few years, and then Fuzzy's journey began to take many twists and turns. We would never be able to list ALL of his jobs, hobbies, dreams and side hustles - we believe he may have been the original Renaissance Man - but we will highlight some of his most prominent accomplishments, and leave out some of the less impressive moments, like when he was held responsible for turning the scrambled eggs a strange shade of green at the Mother's Day Brunch at Our Lady of Angels.

Fuzzy worked at Giddings & Lewis and then on the railroad for a while, but his entrepreneurial spirit could not be kept at bay. He purchased 200+ acres near Armstrong, and envisioned a campground where families could spend their summers swimming, playing horseshoes, and having a few cocktails around the campfire. He called it "Paradise Valley," and for over 30 years, it was just that.

Even though he was the President of the Dotyville Bachelor's Club, a coveted title in the "Holyland," he married Joan Kutchera in 1966. They had two children, Jennifer and John, and together as a family, they embraced (and occasionally dismissed) Fuzzy's endeavors, including owning and operating a pet cemetery, investing in many real estate ventures, and collecting John Deere tractors. The family home, built partly with railroad ties and heated with a woodburning stove, was full of laughter and love.

Fuzzy was a Founding Member of the Empire Threshing Association, and the organization has hosted a "Thresheree" every August for over 40 years. Creating this unique entity was one of his proudest accomplishments, and the annual community event is a beautiful representation of rural life in southeast Wisconsin, which was Fuzzy's home for all of his 95 years other than a few winters spent in Florida.

There are so many things that Fuzzy will be remembered for, but most of all, we will remember his unmatched storytelling abilities and his unrelenting desire to dream big. He could spin a yarn a mile long, and no one held court better than him. His smile was legendary and his zest for life was infectious. He often talked of riding a John Deere across the country, and he planned to sell buttons to onlookers that said, "I Saw Fuzzy!"

Every great adventurer needs a partner in crime, and in the last chapter of Fuzzy's life, that partner was Chris Riegert. Chris was a chauffeur, a confidante, a caregiver and most of all, a friend for the ages. Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Chris and his spouse, Dr. Sara Riegert, for all of the love, care and good humor they provided.

Fuzzy will be dearly missed by his children, Jennifer Blatz (Bill Beardsley), John (Daryl) Blatz, grandsons Casey and Cameron Blatz, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two brothers. He is now reunited with all of his beloved siblings, with whom he shared a special bond.

The Blatz family gives thanks to the staff at St. Francis Terrace, St. Francis Home and SSM Hospice for their kindness, flexibility, and compassion.

Services: Fuzzy's family invites relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to Zacherl Funeral Home for public visitation from 3pm until 7pm. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, March 12 from 9am-10am at Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Parish, W1562 County Road B, Eden, followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. A Celebration worthy of Fuzzy's exceptional life will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Sarnelli House UA, Box 88234, Milwaukee WI 53288-0234.

Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.