Jeffrey Carl Amundson, 65
Jeffrey Carl Amundson, of Elcho, was called home by his savior on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. He was surrounded by loved ones at home. He was 65 years old. He was born on November 10, 1950 in La Crosse, Wis.; one of two sons to Morris and Helen (Scheck) Amundson.
Jeffrey and his brother David grew up instilled with a love of the outdoors and the abundance that is found there. Jeffrey was a gifted gatherer; fishing on the sloughs of the Mississippi River and hunting white tail deer in the surrounding valleys of the Coulee Region. Jeffrey worked at his uncle’s bait shop and purchased his first boat and motor at the age of twelve.
Jeffrey enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18; he served his country from December, 1968 to December, 1970, and in so, valiantly served during the Vietnam War. A First Sergeant of the Red Diamond Fifth Infantry Mechanized Division, during his time in-country, he became highly decorated, earning the prestigious Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal, Marksman Badge, and Sharpshooter Badge, among several others. While he was a true hero, Jeffrey never boasted his success; rather, he humbly held his silence.
During his tour, Jeffrey’s mother suggested he correspond with a coworker of hers to keep him company; he and Clarissa began their letters of a lifetime. Upon his discharge from service, Jeffrey and Clarissa met for the first time. Six weeks later, on June 21st, 1970, a soldier took a hippie for a bride. Their union brought three children whom were raised on faith, a sense of humor, and a true understanding of both unconditional love, and simple abundance.
In addition to hunting and fishing, Jeffrey was wild about Lake Superior, spending as much time as possible on its shores hunting the elusive Lake Superior Agate. He had a penchant to find the “mother lode,” while his companions found only smaller, distant relatives the size of a dime; he was charmed. Jeffrey tumbled his stones and valued them for the beauty of their creation.
Jeffrey was a Renaissance man in every way. His careers spanned the mechanical to real estate. He was a MacGyver; there was nothing he could not fix with duct tape, PVC pipe, and ingenuity. He was a servant, a leader, a provider, a comedian, a minister, and a friend. His greatest passions were God, Clarissa and the children, his grandson, and his Golden Retrievers.
Survivors include beloved wife, Clarissa; son, Carl (April) Amundson of Brown Deer, Wis; daughter, Roshelle Amundson of Minneapolis, Minn.; and grandson, Mason Amundson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Rachel Amundson, brother, David Amundson, and sister-in-law, Mary Amundson.
A private family service will be held.
Due to the lifelong impact of soldier-hood, the family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorials in Jeffrey’s name be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org