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Bret Claybaugh Obituary
Hortonville - Bret William Claybaugh died unexpectedly Saturday, November 28 at the age of 48. Bret was born on December 4, 1971 in Arlington Heights, Illinois to Karen (Heinie) and Charles Claybaugh. Bret grew up with his sister Kristin and brother Craig. The family moved often and Bret discovered that a smile was the easiest way to make a new friend. Bret graduated from Hortonville High School in 1990 and chose to attend the University of Minnesota. At the U he met Lorie Lundgren and they became inseparable. They shared an interest in Gopher Sports and countless other things. In 1993 Bret entered dental school before receiving his undergraduate degree. Bret married Lorie on May 17, 1997. In June of 1997 Bret received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota. Bret received a Naval scholarship while he was in dental school, so he started his dental career at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California as a General Practice Resident. After completing his residency, he was stationed at the Naval Dental Clinic at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Yuma, Arizona. In February of 2000 Bret joyfully became a father to Payton. In July of 2000 Bret moved with his family to Hortonville to begin life as a dentist in private practice. In January of 2002, Bret celebrated the birth of his daughter Siri. As his children grew, Bret sought every opportunity to be involved in their lives. It was easy to see him coaching soccer and basketball or volunteering with their classrooms, but there was so much more that he did when no one was watching. He loved to cook with Siri. He loved working out with Payton. He played countless hands of cards and board games. Bret hated Blockus but took great delight in skunking any of us in cribbage. He encouraged his kids to work with him on projects so that they could have the problem-solving skills that he cherished and be independent. Stupid jokes and laughter were an integral part of his everyday life.
He joined Dr. Clint Dunathan in practice and together they built Smiles by Design into a dental practice that embraced their community. Singing and skipping were a part of his life at work. Bret was passionate about the care of his patients and saw his staff as an extension of his family. He was an enthusiastic supporter of programs in the community, especially Hortonville soccer where he coached for many years. Bret loved the beautiful game and wanted others to as well. Bret had the unique quality of being able to rejoice in other's success because he was completely happy with the blessings in his life. His smile will be present in our hearts forever.
Bret is survived by his best friends Lorie, Payton and Siri, his parents Karen and Chuck Claybaugh and Dianne Lundgren, his sister Kristin Wicks (Matt), brother Craig (Catherine), brother-in-law Kyle Lundgren (Susan), nieces and nephews Taylor, Alden, Carter, Natalie and Erik, his faithful furry friend Nutmeg, as well as many people he considered family and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Chell Lundgren.
Bret was proud of his military service, the profession of Dentistry and most of all his family. Please make any desired donations to the Fox Valley Veterans Council in honor of Dr. Bret toward "Operation Dental Care" which is a program to provide preventive and restorative care to Veterans. (https://foxvalleyveterans.networkforgood.com) We will hold a memorial gathering after the risks involved with the pandemic have passed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bret Claybaugh
Sponsored by Valley Funeral Home - Appleton.
Denise Fikes
February 8, 2021
Dr. Bret will forever live in my memories as the best, most caring, nicest, and definitely the most fun dentist my family ever had. Even after moving away from Wisconsin for five years, when we returned, there was no question about who I wanted to see as my dentist. My kids were all away at college by now but Dr. Bret always took the time to ask about them.
I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He is so dearly missed by so many, but my heart goes out especially to his wife and children and family. I hope you can find peace in knowing that Bret touched many, many lives for the better during his far too short time on earth.
Kimberlee Wedel
December 27, 2020
Bret will always be in my memory as a kind soul who loved his wife and kids, loved his sporting events and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed but we will forever remember his adventurous attitude for life.
Nancy Becker
December 21, 2020
An amazing man and Dentist. Dr. Brett will be missed by me and so many other. Prayers to his family and I am so sorry
Jamie Derga
December 15, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dr. Brett's passing. He was definitely "One of the good ones." He truly cared about people and wanted others to be happy. He encouraged this through his banter and, more seriously, just letting them know that others care. He helped so many through his dentistry, and never forgot his fellow veterans. He will be greatly missed.
As the days and weeks pass on your journey of grief, we wish you well and hope that the love of those around you and your special memories help bring moments of peace.
Our prayers are with you.
The Derga Family
Sue & Bill Lichtfuss family
December 7, 2020
Our hearts are shocked and broken to hear of your tragic loss of Dr. Bret. He not only has been our family dentist for many years, but twice has been our on the road emergency dentist! Twice our daughter Erika had a Sunday tooth accident--once hit and loosened her front tooth on a shopping cart and once when she ripped the front tooth and root totally our of her mouth on our outdoor pool. Both times you were there for us-no questions asked. You let us into your home to evaluate her and had your practice open in 10 min. flat to re-insert her torn out tooth and root. You were our savior and hero in those emergencies! (Of course having you live right down the street didn't hurt either:) Thank you Bret and Lorie for your true compassion and self sacrifice. Bret will be missed beyond words by all of you, the clinic staff and patients and all your friends and family. Our hearts grieve for you and we pray for you daily that God would give you the strength and comfort you need to make it through each day. We are so sorry for your incomprehensible loss.
Bret will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Gina M Kluge
December 6, 2020
Our hearts are broken and we send many prayers and love to all of the family members, staff at Smiles by design and clients who loved Brett. We will always remember his smile, laughter and singing...he was truly a talented man in so many ways. God Bless his soul and may comfort surround all of you in this difficult time. Love, The Jim Kluge Family
Daryl Popke
December 6, 2020
Our sincere condolences go out Dr Brett family all I can say he was the best dentist we have had and I am sure along with many he will surely be missed !! Daryl &Judy Popke La Grange Ky
Sandee Lecher
December 6, 2020
We are so sorry for the loss of Dr. Brett. He was a great person and Dentist. You will be sadly missed.
Julie Peterson
December 5, 2020
My husband and I are going to miss Dr. Bret. I always looked forward to my appointments no matter what the circumstances were. And best of all, the friendly bantering, singing, and some oh so stupid jokes. One particular visit I went in and he saw I was not myself. He took the time to talk and care about me. I cant begin to imagine your pain, but hope you know others do care. Whether you know us or not, know this ... he cared about us, he cared.
Carl W. Rockel
December 5, 2020
No one spread more Smiles in one shortened lifetime!
Rest In Peace My Friend!
The Rockel Family
Tom olski
December 5, 2020
Thank you are a very remarkable person
Mary Ellen Julien
December 5, 2020
We were so saddened when Seth called us to let us know of Bret's passing. Such fond memories of Seth playing basketball with Payton and Bret coaching, always with a smile on his face and words of encouragement for the kids. And we still smile when we think of Seth telling us after a sleepover at Payton's house, "And Bret brought us all down toothbrushes to make sure we brushed before bedtime!" Most parents brought down snacks - Bret brought toothbrushes!! What a great Dad!!
With warm remembrances,
David, Mary Ellen, Tess, and Seth Julien
William & Debbie Butt
December 5, 2020
It was our great pleasure to know Bret & Lorie in Yuma, AZ. We are so saddened by his passing. He truly was an upstanding young man.
Mandy Hammers
December 5, 2020
There is so much to say about what an amazing guy Bret was. He made my whole family comfortable and dare I say excited to go to the dentist. Bret was always goofy making my kids squeal with laughter at his funny jokes or crazy counting. He will forever be in our hearts and remembered fondly. Many hugs and love sent to the family he always talked about with so much pride.
Larry Wheeler
December 5, 2020
I remember being at Bret and Lorie's wedding. It was a joyous event. The minister stood in front of Lorie and talked about who she was and far in life she had came. He spoke of her accomplishments for several minutes. At the conclusion of telling the audience about Lorie, he turned to Bret, who was just weeks away from completing Dental school, and said "and you Bret have a beautiful smile." After the laughter subsided, he went on to enlighten the spectators as to who Bret was. Bret was my wife's cousin, but he always made me feel as though I was a "Claybaugh". Dr. Bret "rest high on the mountain for your work here on earth is done".
Jenni Koenecke
December 5, 2020
Always a smile.
A few times a year I would travel out of town and my children needed a way to get to school. My husband would drop them off at Claybaughs in the morning. Lorie would make them a breakfast they loved and Bret would drive them to school. They always loved riding with Bret to school because he had a “turbo” button in his car and the thrill of the idea that his car could go crazy fast. Well for a long time I even believed he had a turbo button because my kids were so convinced, and because hey, it’s Dr. Bret, you never know what he has up his sleeve. It wasn’t until we got a new car and some of the buttons were located on a central panel that my kids could see. One day one of the kids said, “Mom this car has a turbo button just like Dr. Bret’s!” It turns out it was the hazard button!! I wanted to laugh so hard at his joke at the time, but I didn’t want to blow his cover. So for years, we called it the turbo button in our car too and we’d push it when we’d need to go fast...but it was never fast enough for the kids. Lol. I’ll always see that turbo button and think of that smile. Thanks for that one and many other fun memories.
Patti and Dave Nyberg
December 4, 2020
I met Dr. Bret when he joined my brother in law, Dr. Clint at Smiles. We new that Bret and Clint would be the perfect fit! It’s been years since then but still very fondly remember Brets smile and his kindness. We would like to send Lorie, Payton, and Siri our deepest sympathy. Rest easy Bret ❤
Michele Knapp-Pingel
December 4, 2020
Our Deepest Sympathy to Dr.Bret's family and friends! We connected with Dr. Bret over soccer and sports in general. Always touched by his warmth and compassion. We share our Love for the Gophers. I will NEVER Forget his Support of our Son Luke and the U of M Men's track team. A Huge Loss. God watch over and carry his family through in this very difficult time!
Susan Leonard
December 4, 2020
Bret you will truly be missed ...your infectious smile and positive attitude
Laurie Friedman-Fannin
December 4, 2020
His humor, his joy, his heart.
When you leave a dentist appointment feeling happier than went you arrived, you know you have been in a special place. Our entire family sends love to the Smiles By Design staff who are obviously so much more then colleagues, they are family.
Peace be with all of you.
Farewell Dr. Bret
Kevin Huse
December 4, 2020
I am deeply saddened by this news , my understanding of a young man going to soon just doesn’t seem fair ! I will definitely remember him always , I love hearing about his tireless drive to be the best person he could be, and he was the same person at home as he was anywhere, I loved his banter , about how I didn’t get froze whether it be a filling or root canal, or when winter sets in he would ask if I’ve been on the Harley lately, with that smile , and YES he had a corny sense of humor (but I liked it ) ! I always walked out of there feeling good, that’s because of that man ! I will miss him ! Later Dr Bret hope to see you again
Ramirez/Arnold
December 4, 2020
I will forever remember Dr Brett admitting to walking around in heels . I can’t imagine the loss his family feels or co workers. He was truly a special family man who could put a smile on Anyone’s face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Ellen Harp
December 4, 2020
Dr. Bret was a beloved man. He always made time to get to know me and my family personally; we were not treated as just a patients. I am so sorry for the pain his family, Smiles by Design and the Hortonville/Greenville community are suffering.
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