Service Details
Memorial Service: Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
Visitation: Saturday, March 25th from 11 am until 1 pm in the funeral home
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, please bring a stuffed animal to the service which will be donated to children in need.
Racine – Jeffery Russell O’Claire, affectionately known to many as “Ogie”, age 53, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, March 19, 2017.
A lifetime resident, Jeff was born in Racine on December 16, 1963 to Russell and Roberta “Bobbie” (nee: Rehbein) O’Claire. He was a graduate of JI Case High School “Class of 1982”.
As an extreme sports fan, Jeff enjoyed the Brewers and Packers / and had an extensive collection of sports memorabilia. He also had a great passion for music – especially for the Grateful Dead. As a drummer, Jeff was in the Kiltie Kadets and played in Blind Ambition for many years. Above all, Jeff was head over heels for his adorable 2-year-old granddaughter, Elloise, who called Jeff “Grandpa Ogie”.
Surviving are his son, Matthew (Elizabeth Cascio) O’Claire; daughter, Melissa O’Claire; granddaughter, Elloise; mother, Bobbie O’Claire; sisters, Deborah “Debbie” (Brett) McDonald and Sandra (husband, Sam Hanna) O’Claire; niece, Dr. Jessica McDonald, DVM; nephew, Kristofer (Katie) McDonald; former wife, Francine O’Claire; lifelong best-friend, Jon Lemke; other relatives and many friends too numerous to mention all by name.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Russell O’Claire, Sr. and infant brother, Russell O’Claire, Jr.
A Memorial Service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 1:00 pm with Jeff’s childhood friends, Captains Geoff and Leti Crowell, officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Jeff would want you to come dressed to his funeral like he would have remembered you in life. In lieu of flowers, please bring a stuffed animal to the service which will be donated to children in need.
Dennis and Gerri Kueffler says
The Ogie will be greatly missed. He knew anything and everything about Wisconsin sports teams. Always a pleasure to watch a good Brewer or Packer game with. We will one day meet again!!
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the family!!
Marjory Ackerman (Armstrong) says
Ogie was always a good friend to everyone, and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He will be missed by many. Condolences to his children, and to the rest of his family.
Marjory Ackerman (Armstrong) says
Ogie was a good friend to many, and never had a bad word for any. He will be missed. Condolences to his children, and to the rest of his family.
Bob Fritchen says
Rest in peace Jeff, and my deepest sympathies to his family. Ogie couldn’t have been nicer to me as a rusty old drummer getting back into the swing again. He’d be at most of our gigs and always with a smile and a few friendly words of encouragement as a fellow drummer. One of the coolest, nicest guys I’ve ever known.
Mark Toll says
Sorry for your loss