Clifford Bushendorf Obituary

Clifford Bushendorf

November 5, 1931 - September 2, 2025

Clifford "Sonny" Junior Bushendorf, 93, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 surrounded by his family. Cliff was born in Eau Claire, November 5, 1931 to Clifford and Amanda (Knutson) Bushendorf. The oldest of eight children.

Cliff quit school after eighth grade to work in the family dairy. He received a special drivers permit to collect milk at area farms. He married Janet Niblett on November 15, 1952. They raised four children, three girls and one boy.

Most of his adult life was spent in home construction. Working first for Nelson Construction, later establishing Bushendorf Construction where his wife Janet worked by his side. Son Brian joined the company in later years. Cliff also was the building inspector for the Town of Union for several years prior to Eau Claire County inspection takeover.

Cliff's first love was family where he supported Janet's horse shows and Terri, Linda, Tammy and Brian's barrel racing and rodeos. The tradition continues with grandchildren and great grand kids in barrel racing.

As a hobby (or necessity) when not pounding nails, Cliff built several campers and motorhomes. From a truck camper to a completely burned-out motorhome that he extended the chassis by four feet to a Blue Bird Bus where he enclosed all windows, added a custom interior and raised the roof by a foot so his cap didn't touch the ceiling. Which allowed him to haul family all over the country.

After retirement, Cliff and Janet enjoyed following their daughter, Tammy, grandchildren and great grandchildren in barrel racing, T-Ball, Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Gymnastics and Hockey.

Whew that's exhausting!

Cliff is survived by his loving wife of nearly 73 years, Janet. Daughters: Terri (Edward) Arnstad, Linda (John) Briggs, Tammy (Jeff) Whyte. Son: Brian (Sara) Bushendorf. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great, great grandchild. Sisters: Shirley Hehl, Lois Pederson, JoAnn Gutsch. Brother: Donald (Darlene) Bushendorf. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Cliff was proceeded in death by parents: Clifford and Amanda Bushendorf. Sisters: Marion Bediant, Joyce Bushendorf and Yvonne Champion. Brother-in-laws: Donald Bediant, Mick Hehl, Lyle Pederson, Donald Gutsch and Gary Champion.

A special Thank You to Tammy and Jeff Whyte without their continuous monitoring and assisting Janet in Cliff's care his wish to stay at home would not have been possible, along with Mayo and St. Croix Hospice.

Funeral Services will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Pastors Jeff Carlson and Tim Heupel officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will take place at Rest Haven Cemetery following lunch.

Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.