Clarence Germershausen, better known as "John Clayton", owned several gay bars in the 1970s until his death in 2005. Most popular of these wss the C'est La Vie (opened 1974 and still going strong at the time of his death), but also included the Advent bar.

The OutBound magazine issue of January 2003 featured Cest La Vie on the cover, and inside added "Owner John Clayton has helped many gay men by providing accomodations and jobs for those in need." There are many stories of John helping young gay men, making avaible both a few residence rooms above the bar, as well as bartending and other jobs. While some people make comments about John perhaps 'taking advantage' of some, most stories are very positive and complimentary of his soft heart, behind a seemingly strict and staid exterior.

Others recall John's attraction to the stock market, and how he would often spend mornings late in life checking market trends and trading on the internet in his own apartment above the bar.

In addition to his bar ownership, John owned another building just north of C'est La Vie, and rented out parts of it first in 1988 to the Cream City Foundation for a Community Center, and also to In Step newspaper for its publishing office. The building was pretty run down, and a lot of work was needed by both organizations to get the front office areas into shape; but the spaces were some of the first made available to the budding LGBT community.

Germershausen was "Born to Eternal Life on August 29, 2005 at the age of 74 years. Preceded in death by his mother Calverna Eutin "Kelly". Further survived by family and friends."

Wisconsin Gay News websie's obit read:

Milwaukee -- Colorful Milwaukee gay bar owner Clarence Germershausen, owner of C'est La Vie has died at age 74. Germershausen was more well-known in the communty by his "Nomme De Plume" John Clayton.

According to reports, Clayton died of complications due to cancer and had been ill for a number of weeks. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Borgwardt funeral home from 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m.. Private interment Wisconsin Memorial Park.

Clayton's Cest La Vie has been a fixture in Milwuaukee's gay bar scene for decades, no immediate information was available about the status of the club.

According to "windycitymediagroup.com" in November 2008, "Cream City Foundation-- an organization for LGBT people in southeastern Wisconsin-- has announced that Clarence Germershausen ( a.k.a. John Clayton ) left it a legacy gift of $400,000. It's the largest gift in the foundation's 26-year history. 'Mr. Germershausen was one of Cream City Foundation's first supporters,' said Tim Clark, the foundation's president. 'We are honored to receive the generous and thoughtful bequest from Clarence. His gift makes it possible for us to strengthen our Mission Fund and future grant making efforts that advance LGBT equality.' Biztimes.com expanded upon this: "Germerhausen's gift will be invested in Cream City Foundation's Mission Fund where only the interest growth from the fund will be available for efforts to create a more respectful and fair community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The structure of the gift ensures a permanent financial source for LGBT funding. When Germershausen died, he made sure that the work he cared about in his life would continue, leaving the vast majority of his estate to Cream City Foundation-- a community foundation focusing on serving LGBT rights."

Recollections: The following are recollections of others who have been kind enough to submit their personal memories to the webmaster. You are welcome to do the same!