Clarice J. McCrossen

With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Clarice J. McCrossen, who left this world on March 4, 2026. Born on February 17, 1932, in Long Lake, Wisconsin to Chester and Maude Cox. Clarice made her home in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, creating a life that was as vibrant and nurturing as the gardens she tenderly cultivated around her home. She ran the Stagger Inn and was known as Ma to many of her patrons. She helped many down on their luck, she took in several people that were homeless, providing them with a room and food. Clarice married John Ksionek Sr. on January 20, 1951, in Milwaukee and they had 6 children together. They later divorced. In 1985 she married James McCrossen who was also the father of 6 children. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2004.

She enjoyed playing her 12-string guitar, singing hymns that filled her home on Lake Ave. with joy and tranquility. Her early years were spent beautifying her home with flower gardens and flowering bushes. In her later years, she found peace feeding and watering the birds and squirrels, cherishing all of God’s creatures. Her home was her sanctuary, reflecting her love for beauty, nature, and tranquility.

Clarice is survived by her children John (Alita) Ksionek Jr., Bernard (Becky) Ksionek, Elaine Ksionek, Jeanette (Mary) Ksionek, and Arnold Ksionek. son-in-law, Gary Sabatke. She was also a loving grandmother to Alan (Liz) Ksionek, Richard (Tina) Ostrum, Bradley Ksionek, Lana Ksionek, Dillon (Liz) Ksionek and Wyatt Ksionek; great grandchildren, Alexis (Brandon) Ostrum, Gage Ostrum, Jade (Bailey) Ostrum, Brooklynn Ksionek, Addison Ksionek and Cassandra Ksionek; Siblings, Chester (Nancy) Cox Jr., Patricia (Harry) Benjamin,

Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, Maude and Chester Cox Sr.; her daughter, Debra Sabatke; and her grandson, Benjamin Ksionek; her husband, James McCrossen; sisters, Janet Cox and Alice Costello; her infant brother, Scotty Cox;
A visitation will be held at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 54494, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 12:00 pm CST. The funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 2:00 pm CST.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewater Haven for all the care they gave Clarice.

Those who wish to remember Clarice in a special way can share memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the life Clarice lived and the people she touched. Her spirit will continue to live on through the memories we shared with her.