Clarence K. Seils

Clarence K. Seils was born June 30, 1909, in North Freedom, Wisconsin. By the time of his World War II registration, he and his wife, Florence, were living in the Stoughton area, and Seils was employed by the Log Cabin Tavern near Madison.

During World War II, Seils served in the United States Army. Although the records currently available do not identify his unit or rank, his later obituary specifically remembered him as an Army veteran of the war.

Clarence married Florence Luer in 1932. They eventually made their home on Lake Kegonsa, where they became longtime members of the lakeside community. In 1947, Florence purchased the former Halverson grocery business on Highway 51 at Lake Kegonsa. The couple operated Seils Grocery Store and Boat Livery there for many years.

Lake Kegonsa was also the setting for one of Clarence's more unusual interests. He established the “Kegonsa Pheasantry” at Barber's Bay, where he raised golden and ring-necked pheasants commercially. A newspaper feature described the considerable work involved, including incubating eggs, maintaining exceptionally clean cages and caring for dozens of young birds. He even attempted to raise Lady Amherst pheasants, although their habit of eating their own eggs apparently made that experiment considerably more challenging.

Seils became active in American Legion Otis Sampson Post 59 following the war. In June 1952, he was elected Commander of the Post, succeeding Acting Commander Lloyd Emery Jr. His fellow officers included Oscar Brusegar as First Vice Commander, Vernon Owen as Second Vice Commander, Charles King as Adjutant, Edor Everson as Finance Officer, Palmer Henderson as Service Officer, Melvin Klongland as Historian and Obert Klefstad as Chaplain.

Seils and the new officers were formally installed that fall, with longtime Post member Percy Norness serving as installing officer. Contemporary newspaper notices continued to identify Seils as Commander as Post 59 resumed its regular fall meetings in September.

Clarence and Florence raised two sons, Jan and Eddy. Their son Jan graduated from Stoughton High School in 1953 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy that August. After boot training in San Diego and quartermaster training in Maryland, he served for six months in the Mediterranean. He later attended preparatory school at Bainbridge, Maryland, after receiving an appointment connected with entrance to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Clarence remained in the Stoughton and Lake Kegonsa area for many years. In addition to operating the grocery store and boat livery, he worked as a painter. He was remembered as an avid hunter and fisherman and particularly enjoyed time at his cottage at Black River Falls.

In his later years, Seils moved to Crescent City, California, where he lived for approximately three years. Florence preceded him in death in 1982. Clarence K. Seils died September 5, 1993, at age 84. He was survived by his sons, Jan and Eddy, and six grandchildren. Private family services were held, with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton.