Clair L. Rood

Clair L. Rood was born to Myrtle and Avery Rood in Madison, WI on December 17, 1928.  He lived in Madison before the family moved to Viroqua and then later La Crosse, WI.  He attended the former Hogan Elementary School where he played for the Longfellow Footings.  He later attended Central High School where he graduated in 1947.  His education journey eventually led him to a Masters in Education from UW Stout and a Doctorate from Michigan State.  He retired from teaching as a Professor Emeritus after 29 years at UWL in the Education Department.

Clair’s love of teaching spilled over into his family life.  While living in Twin Coves, he and Mel Miller started Brownsville’s first Boy Scout Troop #26 where he served as scout master.  The troop had many adventures including an overnight camping trip in the rain that saw them surrounded by cows when they woke up in the morning.  Each winter, Clair would use the garden tractor to plow a skating rink on the Mississippi for all to enjoy.  He loved teaching the kids to skate and zooming around the rink on his speed skates.

The family was now five strong with the addition of a daughter and another son when they moved to La Crescent. Clair and the family joined Prince of Peace where he served on church council, cemetery board and as a caretaker of the cemetery for 19 years with friend Warren Weidman.  He spent many hours mowing the church cemetery on “Big Red” as the mower was affectionately named.  It was in La Crescent that Clair outfitted a shop in his home and began woodworking.  Over the years he made wooden toys of all kinds and small furniture for family and contributed two crosses to Prince of Peace for their cross wall in the fellowship hall.  Stained Glass and painting ceramics would also become hobbies later in life.  The suncatchers, ceramic villages and stained glass ginger bread houses are treasured by his family.

Clair credits his wife of 72 years as being his steadfast anchor who encouraged him to pursue his career.  He often said that at least half his doctoral ring belonged to her.  Throughout his life they were friends, spouses, and partners.  Clair kept busy all his life.  When his eyesight began to fail, he started collecting scale model cars and trucks.  He enjoyed looking at them and telling everyone the stories they evoked.

He is survived three children David and Barbara Rood of Braselton, GA. Susan(Rood) and James Hermes of La Crosse, WI. and Jeffrey and Denine Rood of Hinckley, MN., eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Matt and Erin Rood and Paige of Knoxville, TN., Brian and Jana Rood and Parker, Chase and Mason of Braselton, GA., Stacey(Rood) and Vee Sanchez and Eli, Everett and Ian of Braselton, GA., Kathleen (Hermes) and Bryan Holkup and Norah and EJ of La Crosse, WI., Karin (Hermes) and Andrew Weiker and Kendell, Maci and Lauren of Cashton, WI., Alyssa (Rood) and Adam Krokstrom of Onalaska, WI., Samuel and Hannah Rood and Eleanor, Charlotte and James of Winona, MN. and Alex Rood and fiancé Madeline Pufahl of West Bend, WI.  In addition to his wife Doris, he was preceded in death by their infant son Gary.

A private family ceremony and interment will be held.  A celebration of life for both Doris and Clair will be held on Friday, June 16th from 5pm to 8pm in the fellowship hall at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 21 N. Hill St., LaCrescent, MN. 55947.