Clarice Weigent

CLARICE WEIGENT (1917-2015)

Clarice Van Sickle Weigent, native and longtime resident of La Crosse, died on March 13, 2015 in Sun Prairie. The eldest of six children, she was the daughter of the late Christine Van Sickle and Clifford Van Sickle. Clare is survived by her sister Francis Cox of Galesburg, IL; daughter Jenifer Weigent Gilbert and son-in-law Robert D. Gilbert, M.D. of Madison; and daughter Dana Weigent of Lincoln, MA. Her grandchildren are Alison (Jonathan) Strickland of Guilford, CT, Sarah (Mark) Francis of Parkland, FL, Katherine (Brendon) Schwirtz of Longmont, CO, and Molly Weigent-Hayes of Palo Alto, CA. Clare had the wonderful opportunity to get to know all her great-grandchildren. Payton and Trey Francis, Bobby and Maggie Strickland, and Grayson and Beckett Schwirtz visited often and took her on many outings. Clare took great delight in these family reunions.

Clare was a graduate of La Crosse State Teacher's College and began her teaching career in Cambria, where she taught English and Latin. In 1943, Clare Van Sickle married Walter "Babe" Weigent who was the football coach and athletic director at La Crosse Central High School for 37 years. Clare was always involved in the athletic programs and events that Babe organized. She never missed a home game. Shortly after his retirement in 1970, Babe died unexpectedly at the early age of 67.

Clare had always planned to return to teaching after raising her daughters. She taught American History at Central High School for many years. She passed on her commitment to education to her students, her children, and her grandchildren. After retiring from teaching, Clare worked at Cremer's Jewelers. She enjoyed the social contact provided by the staff and customers.

In 1977, Clare Weigent participated at the dedication of Babe Weigent Park on Cass Street where the Old Central High School once stood. She was so proud that the people of the city chose to honor her husband's memory in this way. All of her grandchildren came to La Crosse to picnic and play in "their" park.

Clare remained in her home until 2010 when she fell and broke a hip. She then moved to Madison to be close to her family, Jenifer and Bob Gilbert. As a physician, Bob arranged and provided for Clare's medical needs. The family is grateful to have had the benefit of his expertise and great patience.

The family is also greatly appreciative for the care of the staff at Waunakee Manor, Betty's Harbor at The Lighthouse of Sun Prairie, and Agrace Hospice.

In accordance with Clare's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. She will be buried next to her husband of 30 years in the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse. To honor her memory, the family is planning a private memorial at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Babe Weigent Statue Project c/o Central Alumni Association, P.O. Box 3012, La Crosse, WI 54602-3012.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace
(608) 837-9054