Victor Cleary

Cleary, Victor Bernard

Victor Bernard Cleary, 98, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015,at his home in Island Shores, Neenah, Wisconsin. He was 98 years old. He was the seventh of eight children born to Timothy and Dora (White) Cleary on December 16, 1916 in Wayside, WI, Town of Morrison.

Vic later moved to Green Bay and was employed by the Larsen Company. He married Alice Ferry of Green Bay on September 28, 1940. She preceded him in death in 2009.

Vic served in the Army from 1942 until 1946. His company landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day and he participated in the liberation of France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Vic was seriously wounded in Germany just prior to the Battle of the Bulge. He spent nine months in hospitals in France, England, and Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, MI, where he was discharged and awarded the Purple Heart.

After the war, Vic and Alice owned a tavern in Lark, WI. They later moved to Menasha, where Vic worked for 25 years at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center and retired in 1982. Vic and Alice were members of St. Mary Parish in Menasha since 1964. Vic was a lifetime member of DAV Chapter 18 in Appleton. He enjoyed an active and long retirement, including many winters in Florida. He liked to read and enjoyed vegetable gardening in the summers. Vic was well-known in Menasha and Neenah and a friend and source of encouragement to many. He loved people and was truly interested in their lives. For several years he enjoyed the friendships and exercise at the Menasha Pool and Gold's Gym.

Vic is survived by three children - Carmel Cleary, St. Augustine, FL.; Steven (Patricia Martell-Cleary) Cleary, Atlanta, GA; and Colleen (Michael Boyer) Cleary-Boyer, Big Sky, MT.. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Cleary, Madison, WI; sister-in-law, Marie Weissleder, Burlington, WI.; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Vic was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Alice T. Cleary, son, James T. Cleary; three brothers: Edwin (Florine), Ervin (Blanche), and Albin Cleary; and four sisters: Marie (Anton) Gussert, Alverna (Raymond) Greenewald, Thelma (Arthur) Doyle, and Dolores (Ken) Lindley.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave.,De Pere, on Friday February 27, 2015 from 10am until 11:30am. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 11:30am with Deacon Jerry Cross officiating. Burial will be at the Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to Vic's family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of Island Shores, Hospice Services of ThedaCare, and Vic's faithful friends, Dawn Fredrickson and Jodi Young, for their love, support, and care.