Audrey June Clift

Audrey June Clift (Ernst), age 82, passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2022, at the Wisconsin Dells Healthcare Center. She was born on June 25, 1940, to Harvey “Butch” Ernst and his wife, Evelyn (Pipkorn). She spent her early childhood in Richland Center, WI and then moved to LaFarge, WI where she attended LaFarge High School and met her future husband, David “PeeWee” Clift. Audrey and PeeWee were married on April 12, 1958, at the LaFarge Methodist Church and spent their life raising their children which include daughter, Deb and sons, Mark and Jim.

Audrey was an enthusiastic and unbending supporter of all that her children did whether it was their school activities, their hobbies, or their personal lives. In early adulthood, Audrey spent the majority of her time caring for and raising her children and later on also worked as a childcare provider and substitute mail carrier. In 1975, she was hired as a paraeducator for the LaFarge School District, first as a kindergarten assistant and then as a library aide from 1977, until her retirement in 2002. Audrey was an avid reader and always loved a good book. She also loved her time in the kitchen and entertaining others with post-game gatherings, card parties, and family events. Anybody that knew her remembers her as an outstanding cook that brought great of joy to anybody lucky enough to eat her cooking.

During her early and mid-adult years, she loved canoeing with her family, and she was a passionate bowler accumulating many awards including an amateur singles state championship. She also loved decorating her homes for whatever the next holiday or season was. Later in life, she formed a special bond with some people in the Amish community and took great pride in providing them transportation and various other forms of service. Above all else, nothing was more important nor brought more joy to Audrey than her family. She always went above and beyond her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. With a generous and joyful heart, she always extended everything that she had to offer to take care of her family. Her giving spirit was such that she would give the coat off her back if it meant keeping somebody else warm.

Audrey is survived by PeeWee, her husband of over 64+ years; her children: Deb Ham (63) and husband Danny of Pardeeville, Mark (61) of LaFarge, and Jim (58) of Lake Mills, WI; her grandchildren: Craig Fay (41) of Cambria, WI, Scott Fay (36) of Oregon, WI, David “DJ” Clift (31) of Lake Mills, Brett Clift (26) and wife Jessica of Sun Prairie, WI, Jessica “Jessie” Clift (21) of Port Edwards, WI, adopted grandson Andrew Kaminsky (27) of LaCrosse; great grandson, Archer “Archie” Clift (3) of Sun Prairie, WI; and nephews, Tom Ernst (64) and wife Karen of LaFarge and Tim Ernst (61) of Winona, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, “Butch and Evie” Ernst; brother, Harvey “Skip” Ernst; and grandson, William “Will” Clift of Lake Mills, WI.

Per Audrey’s request, there will not be a funeral, but a small family dinner and get-together. There will be a social gathering for those wishing to visit PeeWee and the family on November 5, 2022, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the LaFarge Community Center.

A very special thank you to all of those who visited both Audrey and PeeWee during her time in nursing care and to the compassionate hospice care at Wisconsin Dells Healthcare.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her name to the LaFarge School District High School and Elementary libraries.

Blessed be the life, memory, and legacy of Audrey June Clift.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Audrey's family.

203 N. State Street

La Farge, WI 54639