Clarence J. Backus of Hartford passed away on Friday, Dec. 3, 1999, at Hartford Memorial Hospital. He was 92 years old.

He was born Jan. 16, 1907, in the town of Wayne, Washington County, to John and Lena (nee Loehrke) Backhaus. He married Cecile Melius on Nov. 6, 1935, at Peace Lutheran Church. The couple lived in the town of Rubicon and moved to the town of Hartford in 1951. Since 1976 they were residents of Winter Haven, Fla., during the winter.

Clarence was a carpenter for many years and was a member of the Milwaukee Carpenters union Local #2283. He enjoyed trapping, hunting, wood working, and traveling.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Cecile; daughter, Sally (Jack) Garvens of Hubertus; son, Lane (Julie) Backus of Port Washington; four grandchildren, Lisa (David) Kvistad of Middleton, Tom (Tracie) Garvens of Austin, Texas, Branden Backus of Chicago, Ill., and Chris Backus of Grafton; three great-grandchildren, Jack and Sadie Kvistad and Gabriel Garvens.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbur and Harley.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at Peace Lutheran Church, Hartford, with Rev. Jon Tesch officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Shimon Funeral Home, Hartford, and noon to 1 p.m. Monday at the church.

Interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.