Clifford Schlough, age 93, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his own home, on Wednesday, November 22nd. He was born on September 19th 1930, the son of Clifford Sr. and Emma (Olson). He met the love of his life Rosemary Speth when he was just 20 years old. They married on her birthday, May 7th, 1953, while home on leave from his duties with the US Army. Together they built a strong and loving relationship which lasted 60 years, before Rosemary passed on March 23, 2013. Together they raised three children David, Barbara and Scott. Cliff was a devoted father to his children and was always teaching them something to build, grow or fix. To this day they are thankful for that.

In his early years Cliffs career took him on many different paths. But the one he found most rewarding and enjoyable, were the years he worked with his Dad at the Dane County Highway Department. With persistence and drive, Cliff worked his way up from grader operator, snowplow and maintenance, to Dane County Highway Supervisor. He retired from there in January 1990. His goal was to be retired, as many years as he worked, he fell short by just 2 years. He was also very active in his community, serving on the Village of Sauk City Board of Directors, on the Sauk Prairie Police Commission, and Sauk City Housing Authority. He held the Housing Authority position until he was 91 years old. Cliff was a man of integrity and served his country proudly. In October 2013, he and his daughter were fortunate enough to travel on the Badger Honor Flight, to Washington D.C. It was an experience of a lifetime for both of them.

Some of his greatest joys and happiest times were spent with his grandchildren, Stephanie, Brian, Jesse and Jason. And great grandchildren Jacob, Braden, Marshall and Wyatt. Whether he was with one of them, or all of them, they always brought a smile to his face. Rosemary and Cliff loved to travel and took many trips to Hawaii, Alaska, California, Florida, the Dakotas, and Arizona. But their favorite destination was always Las Vegas, where the stay had to be Circus, Circus. He earned the highest standard as a Ringmaster at Circus, Circus and for that he was proud. When Rosemary could no longer travel the long distance to Nevada, they stayed closer to home and enjoyed time at the Casino Queen in Marquette, Iowa. Later in life he took trips with his family to the Panama Canal, Aruba and Turks and Caicos. He was always up for an adventure and was a joy to travel with. Some of his other hobbies and enjoyments in life were, hunting, fishing, cards, and gardening. His gardens were always his pride and joy and he would share his bounties with everyone. If you were one of the lucky, fortunate, ones to know or meet Cliff, then you realize what a kind, loving, generous and funny man he was. That's our Dad in a nutshell. We lucked out in every sense of the way, having him as our Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. As his grandson, Brian said after his passing, "He wasn't just a good man, He was a great man". There are no truer words to be said, for sure. His motto in life was "you're never too old to learn something new". Thanks Dad for your patience and showing us the ropes.

We all benefited from your knowledge and expertise, and for that we are independent and grateful. We all had a special bond with Dad, the loss is tremendous. You were our Rock, our everything. So blessed to have you in our lives for 93 years. We love you Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. Cliff is survived by two children, Barb (Bruce) DeWitt of Fitchburg, and Scott (Brenda) Schlough of Sauk City. Grandchildren Stephanie (Dennis) Rehr, Brian (Nicole) Schlough, Jesse (Chelsi) Schlough, Jason (Jennie) Schlough. Great grandchildren, Jacob Neumann, Braden Schlough, Marshall Bender and Wyatt Schlough. He is further survived by his sisters Betty Linley and Cathy Smith, of Baraboo. In addition to his parents and his wife, Rosemary, Cliff was preceded in death by his oldest son David.

The family have so many people to thank for making Cliff's life so meaningful and significant. We cannot possibly list everyone here, but know that you have our heartfelt thanks. Special thanks to the first responders that came to Dad's aid, Sauk Prairie Ambulance, EMT's, Sauk Prairie Police, and Sauk City Fire Department. And for the special care Dad always received from the doctors, nurses and staff at the Prairie Clinic, Eanellis and SMS Health. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Badger Honor Flight.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Sauk City, WI. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9 am until 10:45 am at Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City, WI. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

See you in heaven 'Zippy'!