MATC Matters

See below the obituary notice for Clarence Swedberg, former supervisor of the MATC Mailroom. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.

Swedberg, Clarence M. “Swede” MADISON - If you do not read any further, know that he had a quick wit, a generous spirit and a desire to provide the best for his family. On Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, Clarence M. “Swede” Swedberg embarked on his final journey from the Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg. He was born Dec. 20, 1929, in Mankato, Minn. and grew up in Lake Crystal, Minn., one of eight children of Frieda (Toenges) Kluver and David Swedberg. As many others of that time period, the family faced difficult financial circumstances. Yet the family was rich in humor and affection. At 17, when his car broke down, he enlisted with the U.S. Army. Full of promise of adventure, little did he realize the impact the decision would have on his life. It was while stationed in Bremerhaven, West Germany, that he met his wife, Edith. In subsequent years, he served in Seoul, Korea, Athens, Greece and again in Wurzburg, West Germany.

After 23 years of service, half of which were overseas, he retired from the military. He briefly worked at the Veteran’s Hospital before beginning a second career with the U.S. Postal Service. During this time, he earned an associate degree in accounting from the Madison Area Technical College (MATC). After 16 years with the postal service, he retired again only to start a third career, which would span another ten years, supervising the mail room at Madison Area Technical College.

Throughout, Clarence was an active member of the Madison German Club in which he held various offices, including chairman of the board of directors. In his final days, when asked if he was of German ancestry, he replied that he was through 56 years of marriage to his dear wife, Edith. In addition to the various careers Clarence and Edith each held, Clarence also invested in property and was a good landlord. Together they worked to provide a wonderful home and education for their daughter, Heide. In his free time, Clarence enjoyed playing cards, fishing and watching football. Clarence and Edith also enjoyed trips to Florida, Mexico and even back to Germany. Once travel became difficult, Clarence and Edith enjoyed restaurant outings with friends and family. Every day, he reveled in taking care of and playing with his two granddaughters, Petra and Renate. After each was born, he visited daily to help with their care. He will always be their beloved “Opi” and will be dearly missed.

Clarence is survived by his loving wife, Edith; daughter, Heide; two granddaughters, Petra and Renate; son-in-law, Chris; a sister, Lois (Willaert); two brothers, Steven “Peter” (Janice) and Merlyn (Marie); three sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Virginia Swedberg and Thea Roegner; and numerous special nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Henry Kluver; sister and brother-in-law, Toddy and Dale Rollings; his brother, Donald and first wife, Betty; his brothers, Ronald and Dave; and two brother-in-laws, Art Willaert and Floyd Roegner.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. In closing, words cannot express our gratitude to Dr. Albert Musa, especially for his guidance in these final weeks. We also wish to thank the staff at the Hospice Care Center who always treated Clarence with dignity and compassion. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com