Thomas Francis Clifford, age 80, of Hayward, WI passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s in Duluth, MN after a short illness.

Thomas was born February 10, 1943, in Watertown, WI, the son of William and Mary (Mulvaney) Clifford. Tom grew up in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1961. He then attended St. Norbert College and UW-Madison from which he graduated in 1968 with a degree in Social Work. Tom was married to Carol Pas that year. They settled in Hayward in 1974 where he later began building Cliff’s Mini-Storage which he expanded into the business it is today. Tom’s life was one great adventure after another. He loved tinkering and fixing anything. Tom also loved politics, reading about history, westerns, and living in the Northwoods with nature. He was amazing with remembering dates, helping others and oh how he loved rock and roll. He also enjoyed relaxing on “The Terrace” at UW-Madison with family and friends. Tom was famous for swinging in his hammock on Round Lake, one of his favorite places on earth. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Carol; daughter Shawn (Matt) Trackwell of Madison; daughter-in-law Jackie Clifford; grandchildren Dani (Erik) Larson, Sierra & Ali Clifford Franny & Bodie Trackwell; great grandchildren Nolen, Dominik, MacGregor and Brielle Larson; brothers Joe Clifford, Bill (Colette) Clifford; several nephews & nieces.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and son Brian Clifford.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

If so desired, memorials in Tom’s name may be made to Sherman & Ruth Weiss Library, PO Box 917, Hayward, WI 54843; or Northwoods Humane Society, PO Box 82, Hayward, WI 54843

Last Update: Mar 30, 2023 1:27 pm CDT