Clarence (Clare) Frederick Bulkow, 76, of Oostburg, passed away on Wednesday, November 25,
2020 at Countryside Manor.
Clare was born on March 4, 1944, in Sheboygan to Clarence and Elizabeth (Zurheide) Bulkow.
He attended Longfellow and Farnsworth and graduated from South High School with the Class
of 1962. He continued his education at UW-Sheboygan and UW-Oshkosh graduating with a
Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in 1967. Continuing credits were also received at
UW-Oshkosh.
Clare taught math in the Sheboygan schools for 35 years- teaching at Urban from 1967 – 1986
and at North High from 1986 – 2003. He retired in 2003. He loved teaching and would often
remark that teaching were the best years of his life. Even as his mind deteriorated due to
Alzheimer’s, he would perk up whenever he saw young school children and teens.
While teaching at Urban, he met fellow math teacher, Margaret Gothblad, and they were
united in marriage on June 17, 1972, in Ironwood, MI. They were blessed with two children,
Ryan and Brad.
Clare was a faithful member of St. Mark Lutheran Church where he was baptized and
confirmed. He had a strong faith and loved worshiping with his fellow parishioners. He was a
member of the Men’s Club. He also served as Financial Secretary for a number of years as well
as on the Board of Trustees and the grass cutting crew. He also loved working at the St. Mark
Food Pantry.
He loved playing basketball. He played at the YMCA, was on the UW-Sheboygan team and
played in the city league, and church league. When teaching, he organized pick-up games on
Wednesday nights and Friday nights at Grant School. He hoped to be able to play into his 60’s
and he did! He also enjoyed golf, riding his bike, and meticulously caring for his lawn.
He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. He
never missed a basketball game, cross country meet, soccer, hockey, piano recitals, concerts, or
any other school activity.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret (Peggy); sons, Ryan of Sheboygan and Brad of
Oostburg, six grandchildren: Taylen, Brock, Benjamin, Margaret, Gabrielle, and Samantha;
sister, Jane Fritsch of Menominee Falls and brother-in-law Robert (Bonny) Gothblad of Spooner.
He is further survived by four Goddaughters: Lori Molaski, Sarah Fritz, Danielle Dickhausen, and
Martha Miller, along with special lifelong friend, Brent Halverson, and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Clare was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Elizabeth Curry; and brother-in-law,
Jerome Fritsch.
A Celebration of Clare’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Sharon S. Richardson
Hospice in Clare’s name.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Countryside Manor for the
loving care they provided for Clarence. You meant a lot to him. They would also like to thank
Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for their care the last month.
Please visit our website to leave your condolences for the family www.ballhornchapels.com
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