William M. Clifford, 81, of Sun Prairie passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at his home.

Bill was born on January 10, 1945, in Watertown, Wisconsin to William B. and Mary (Mulvaney) Clifford. He was the youngest of three brothers. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School through 8th grade in Watertown, Wisconsin, where many lifelong friendships began. After that, he attended St. Francis De Sales Preparatory Seminary in Milwaukee. He spent many summers working on his family’s farm in Danville, Wisconsin, which remained important to him throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Navy as a member of the Medical Corps for 4 years during the Vietnam War. He was deployed on the Aircraft Carrier USS Essex which took him to many places around the world and sparked his love of travel. He was later stationed in San Francisco. Following his discharge from the Navy he attended the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He later obtained his Master’s degree in Education from UW Whitewater, while working full time. After finishing his undergraduate degree, Bill began teaching Social Studies at DeForest Middle School where he spent the entirety of his 38-year career.

Not long after he started teaching he met his future wife Colette, who was a French teacher at DeForest High School. They married in 1975, and bought a home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where they raised three children and happily lived together for 50 years. Bill’s family was his highest priority throughout his life, and because of that they always stayed very close. He was devoted to ensuring his wife and children were always cared for and supported in every way. Together they enjoyed countless happy memories, numerous vacations and a household full of love and laughter.

Bill was known for his wonderful hospitality. He always opened his family cottage to his friends and extended family and made it a special place for all of them. He made sure everyone enjoyed themselves by taking kids fishing, driving the speed boat for countless tubers and water skiers, grilling excellent meals, and providing the right drink for any occasion. He also loved trips to the cottage with his teacher friends so he could work, fish and play with “the guys.” He loved their company, while they loved his signature ice cream drinks, which they said were the best.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed reading non-fiction books to satisfy his thirst for knowledge, spending time with his family and working on projects around the house. He had a passion for travelling, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. Bill travelled extensively with his wife, his friends and his children and had his passport stamped all over the world. During his travels he loved discovering new foods and tasting new flavors. There is nothing he wouldn’t try!

He had many lifelong friends from Watertown and made many more throughout his life and career. He was extremely dedicated and close with his three kids, and loved spending time with them no matter what was happening. He was a fun-loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews and great friends with his in-laws. He loved being a grandpa and adored his granddaughters. Bill was lighthearted, patient and full of joy. He maintained his fun-loving nature up until his final day. He made a huge impact on everyone who knew him and above all else he gave everyone memories they will not forget.

Bill is survived by his wife, Colette (DesForges) Clifford; children, Courtney (Brock) Schraufnagel, Nicholas Clifford, and William E. (Amanda) Clifford; grandchildren, Ada and Dara Schraufnagel; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Carol (Thomas) Clifford, Kathy and Marty Bradley, Diane and John Shalvis, Christine and Kevin Doyle; and many nieces, nephews and their children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Mary Clifford, his brother Joseph Clifford, sister-in-law Germain (Joseph) Clifford, brother Thomas Clifford, nephew Brian Clifford, parents-in-law Edmond G. and Colette DesForges, and brother-in-law Fr. Edmond J. DesForges.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

An evening visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Cress Funeral Service, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. A visitation will take place at 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on May 15th. Guests may attend mass virtually at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=97d6d543-d218-45cc-8abd-f185cb213512

An interment will be held, immediately following the funeral, at St. Columbkille Catholic Cemetery in Columbus.