Clair Lee Hassell, age 78, passed away on March 18, 2026, at Country Villa in Freedom. He was born on April 1, 1947, to the late Harold and Klementine (Stypa) Hassell in New London. Clair was the seventh of 13 children. He was raised in Bear Creek with his siblings on a dairy farm until the family moved to Appleton. Clair went to Xavier High School in Appleton.

Clair entered the US Army in 1966 and was released honorably in 1968. Upon release from his military service, Clair met Pam Polman while he was bartending and managing Appleton’s The Pendulum. About 2 years after meeting Pam, Clair proposed, she accepted and they went on to manage together: the Pendulum was remade into the Rich Man Poor Man. During that time, the couple welcomed three children into their lives. In 1979, they left the hospitality business, and with Clair’s help, the establishment soon became a Christian coffee house, Pilgrim’s Café, a business of the church where his faith grew. Eventually, Clair moved on to work in the paper industry and finished his career as a landlord. Clair loved to play basketball and coached his son’s basketball teams for several years.

Clair was passionate about learning, especially all things spiritual. He faithfully attended Calvary Chapel in Appleton for 50 years. During that time, he began an in-depth study of the prophetic books and prophecy. Over the course of his theological inquiries, he wrote three books with his son, Jon, specifically focused on prophetic insights. He was passionate about sharing his faith and the gospel with others, and always enjoyed time spent in Bible Study groups. He was involved in two mission trips to Africa with his nieces, visiting his sister’s ministry.

Clair loved his family. He enjoyed playing card games and board games with his children and grandchildren. He also fostered many friendships over a friendly game of cards, cribbage or pool. He was always up to watch a professional sports team. He enjoyed the Packers, Brewers, and the Bucks and was frequently seen in his Carrol College or Packer’s jacket. He was known for his witty quips and loved to play a good April Fool’s joke.

Clair is survived by his children: Heidi (Jeff) Cook, Derek Hassell, Jon Hassell; and his grandchildren: Aspen, Chloe, Sierra, Kilian, and Kaylee. He is further survived by 8 brothers and sisters and his former wife, Pam, as well as, other relatives and friends.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and one sister.

A celebration of life service will take place on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Wichmann Funeral Home-Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 1:00 pm until the service begins. Military honors will immediately follow the service. Clair will be interred at Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery-King.