A member of the Monroe Swiss Singers since 1985, Clayton Streiff
died unexpectedly September 28, 1996 at the Ohio Swiss Festival in
Sugarcreek following an exemplary day of performing with Edelweiss
and Betty.
Clayton was not only a gifted tenor, but also an alphorn-blower and Swiss flag-thrower in our group, with folk dancing and talerschwingen part of his Swiss performing repertoire as well.
But his sharing of talents was not limited to the Monroe Swiss Singers. Clayton was also a longtime member of the New Glarus Yodel Club, the Männerchor New Glarus, the Green County United Singers, his church choir at Swiss UCC in New Glarus and the five-person ensemble, Edelweiss and Betty.
There wasn't much in which Clayton wasn't involed. A member of New Glarus' Wilhelm Tell Drama, serving in various capacities since its beginning in 1938, Clayton played the part of Wilhelm Tell for 27 years in the community's annual Labor Day production. He assumed countless leadership roles in his masonic affiliations, his church and his community, which included not only New Glarus, but surrounding areas.
A steward of the earth, Clayton farmed for many years east of New Glarus with his father-in-law, and then worked for over 20 years at the New Glarus Feed and Fuel Co-op, from which he retired in 1989 as its manager.
A descendant of the first Swiss immigrants who founded New Glarus, Clayton's hospitality was enjoyed by friends and family both at home and abroad. Clayton's last trip to Switerland was with the New Glarus Yodel Club for participation in the 1996 National Yodel Competition held in Thun, canton Bern, Switzerland.
Also a longtime member of the Monroe Swiss Singers, Marion "Mert" (Zentner) was Clayton's high school sweetheart and wife of over 50 years. They were parents to one son, the Rev. Gary Streiff of Euclid, Ohio.
Although frequently "on stage" as a performer, Clayton was a "behind-the-scenes" kind of person, the one who always made sure things got done and without a lot of bravado. He was quick to give a smile or a hug and was especially encouraging to and proud of our school-aged performers with our group. We only hope we can try to live up to the legacy that Clayton has left for us as perpetuators of Swiss folk culture and human kindness.