History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home first opened its doors in June 2011.  Although its history seems short, it began many years before when owner, Josh Clary, was just a child.  Since losing his 13-year-old cousin, Shileen, to a car accident when he was in the 6th grade, Josh has been driven to help others in the same situation by entering funeral service.  Remembering the pain of his aunt and uncle at seeing their daughter, almost unrecognizable as her body lay in the casket before them, continues to fuel Josh’s desire to help suffering families today.  His ability to help and understand the needs of families during this difficult time is what sets Josh apart from others in his field.  Josh understands that presentation of the deceased is an art and that your family member’s appearance is of utmost importance for closure during this difficult time.

Josh entered funeral service shortly after high school and has been a dedicated member of the craft since his graduation as a funeral director in 1996.  During college, he worked for a large funeral firm in South Milwaukee, learning from many renowned directors and embalmers who helped him perfect his techniques.  After college, Josh knew he wanted to serve the people of Richland County.  Over the ensuing years, Josh spent time working for 2 other local funeral homes before realizing his dream of opening Clary Memorial, named after his father who died in 2005.  While in high school, Josh also considered architectural school, so designing the perfect funeral home fulfilled another bucket list dream. 

Although funeral home design had long been one of Josh’s interests, designing the perfect space did prove to be quite challenging.  However, by placing the needs of the family at the center of all planning, Josh was successful in designing a state-of-the-art funeral home, while being able to maintain a comfortable, homelike atmosphere that will meet the ever-changing funeral styles for generations to come.  After being open for over 12 years now, Clary Memorial has proven its flawless design features as evidenced by never requiring visitors to stand outside in the harsh Wisconsin weather.  In fact, the funeral home has the ability to accommodate all funeral and family needs with its open and inviting entrance, large luncheon area with kitchen, private family room, kids playroom, and comfortable chapel.  Clary Memorial also continues to be the only local funeral home that houses a crematory within its walls. 

Josh and his family want to thank all families who have visited the funeral home and have trusted in their service since 2011.  Clary Memorial Funeral Home has been humbled by the support of the community over the years and is well aware that their family business would not exist without it.  Thank you. 

Our Valued Staff

  • Joshua L. Clary

    Joshua L. Clary, Owner/Funeral Director

    Josh Clary was born July 26, 1973 the son of Ron & Barbara (Dobbs) Clary. Josh graduated from Ithaca High School in 1991. Josh attended college at the Richland Campus and graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College for Mortuary Science in 1995. While going to college Josh worked for the Molthen-Bell Funeral Home in South Milwaukee and later finished his apprenticeship with the Stafford Funeral Homes in Spring Green & Richland Center becoming licensed on January 19, 1996. Josh married Theresia Durst on June 8, 1996 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keysville. Starting in 1999 Josh worked for the Pratt Funeral Corporation becoming an owner in 2005 and later Vice President of the Corporation. On Father’s Day 2011 Josh opened the new Clary Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory. Josh has been a volunteer fire fighter for the Richland Center Fire Department for over 20 years, and also a member of the Ithaca Lions Club. Josh is a past president of the South West Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association and current member of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association. Theresia Clary was born February 19, 1974 the daughter of David & Donna (Rockweiler) Durst. Theresia graduated from Ithaca High School in 1992 and later graduated from Viterbo College in LaCrosse with a Registered Nursing Degree. Theresia has been employed with the Richland Hospital in Richland Center since 1998 and currently works in the OB department. Theresia & Josh have two children Alyssa & Logan.

  • Nicole Weidner Ford

    Nicole Weidner Ford, Funeral Director - Full Time

    Nicole grew up in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and graduated from River Valley High School in 2005. She received her Funeral Director's license in 2009 after graduating from Milwaukee Area Technical College's Funeral Service Program. In the fall of 2009 she married her husband Jonathan and they moved to North Carolina. After returning from North Carolina, they settled in Spring Green to be close to family and raise their children Charles and Victor. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys helping her father on the family farm, reading, plants, hunting, and taking her two dogs, Frankie and Bo for walks.Nicole started working part-time with the Clary Memorial Funeral Home from 2012 - 2021. Then took a full-time job with the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in October 2023.

  • Barbara A. Clary

    Barbara A. Clary, Office Manager