Gary Dale Clawson, 72

Published 10:47 am Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Gary Dale Clawson, 72, passed away April 11, 2013.

Gary was born Sept. 22, 1940, to Allen and Mildred (Bertilson) Clawson. He graduated from Austin High School and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, Calif.

Gary learned auto repair and developed a lifelong love of vintage cars as a child, working with his grandfather and uncles at Bertilson’s Garage on Austin’s East Side. He went on to work as a service manager for several Chevrolet Dealerships throughout his life.

In 1964, Gary married Margaret Enderson of Albert Lea. They lived in Spring Valley, Calif., with their two daughters until 1978, when they returned to Austin to live. They divorced in 1981.

Gary and Barbara Jean Brower of Austin were married in 1982. They made their home in Boulevard, Calif., until 1998 when they returned to Austin in order to live closer to their children and grandchildren.

Gary was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous in Austin and California. He shared his 36 years of sobriety and his story with many others, in order to provide help and support. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Gary Clawson

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean; his daughter, Jo Anne (Clawson) Hunter, Austin; his daughter and son-in law, D.J. and Julie (Clawson) Petersen, Austin; step-children Marcia Fanton, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Karen and Jim Schmitz, Minnetonka, Minn.; Jeff and Marlene Fanton, Coon Rapids, Minn.; Alyssa and Robert Mentel, Austin; William M. Fanton, Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Olivia Hunter and Jericho Wells, Conor, Aubrey and Maia Petersen; Peggy and Chris Bittner, Tammy and Dana Fanton Jr.; Kari and Jon George, Kelsey Pugh, Erin Swerka, Anthony Swerka, Heather Blackwell, Luke, Elizabeth and Paul Frank Jr.; Travis Wytaske, Taylor Wytaske, Joey Mentel, Shelby Fanton and Collin Fanton. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and step-son Dana Fanton. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 at the Austin Alano Club, 1504 10th Drive SE, Austin.