Helen Lounsberry Johnson

January 15, 2009

Helen Lounsberry Johnson, 90, of the Kansas City area, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2009, after a brief illness. Her husband of 65 years, C. Rodney Johnson, preceded her in death only four months earlier.

Helen was born and raised in Marshalltown, the fourth of five children. She was the last surviving sibling of her generation. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Mowry and Clara McCann both of Marshalltown and Mary Adams of Indianapolis and her brother, Harold Lounsberry of Davenport.

She graduated from the Marshalltown High School in 1936 and from Iowa State University in 1942. She taught Home Economics for two years, then returned to Marshalltown to help care for her mother.

Helen met C. Rodney Johnson of Lamoni while in college. They were married during the war and later made homes in Ames, Des Moines, Clarion, Overland Park, Kansas and retired in Holiday Island, Arkansas. They spent their final years in a Kansas City area retirement complex.

She is survived by three sons, Randy of Overland Park, Kansas, David of Delano, Minnesota and Stewart of Libertyville, Illinois; four grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and one sister-in-law, Ruth Lounsberry of Davenport.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

June Hagie

January 8, 2009

June Hagie, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2009, in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 6, at the UCC Congregational Church in Clarion. Memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice or to the Wright Medical Foundation, Clarion.

She was born on June 25, 1913 at Rainy Lake, Ontario, Canada, to Boyd Scott and Grace (Wood) Remington. June's father, a free-lance civil engineer, frequently moved his young family to numerous jobs sites throughout the western United States. This resulted in June attending twenty two schools before returning to her father's native Iowa. After graduating from the Ames High School in 1931, she entered Iowa State College to major in Child Development. While there she met Raymond Hagie whom she married after her graduation in 1935. Ray and June then moved to the original Hagie family farm 4 miles southwest of Clarion, where Ray was farming with his father and starting a hybrid seed corn business.

June quickly adapted to farm life and became involved in county extension work and was a dedicated 4-H Leader. She was very active in P.E.O., numerous other community organizations and a charter member of the Clarion Chapter of AAUW. As a longtime member of the UCC-Congregational Church, she along with other church members established the Meals-On-Wheels program and childcare for preschool children.

In addition to community involvement June was an avid bridge player, enjoyed golf and world travel. After retirement, Ray and June spent winters in Arizona until they moved to Ames, Iowa in 1994. In 2005, they moved to The Meadows in Clarion where they lived until Ray died after 71 years of marriage.

June is survived by a son, John (Barb) Hagie of Clarion; daughter, Margaret (Frank) Severino of Des Moines; and a son-in-law, Ted West of Chicago; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

June was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond; a sister, Mary Zelenik; and a daughter, Kathryn West.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Leslie J. Smith

January 8, 2009

Leslie J. Smith, died of pulmonary fibrosis on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at his home.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Eagle Grove, with Doctor Fran Pettigrew officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, from 2-4:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion.

Leslie was born on October 16, 1918 in Chicago. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a graduate of the Open Bible College and Drake University. He worked at Firestone in Des Moines, then taught school in Clive for three years and in Clarion from 1957 until his retirement in 1984.

Leslie loved the teaching profession and enjoyed his hobbies of model railroading and being the music man for the Heartland Cloggers.

He is survived by Opal, his wife of 63 years; his children, JoAnne (Mike) Brown of Springfield, Missouri and Jeffrey (Cynthia) Smith of Clive; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie O. and Nellie J. Smith.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Lillian Caroline Christ

January 8, 2009

Lillian Caroline Christ. 87, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2009, at the Rotary Ann Nursing Home in Eagle Grove.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8. at 1:00 p.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, with Pastor Chris Lang officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove.

Lillian, the daughter of Adolph and Victoria (Olson) Bailey, was born on December 18, 1921, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota and received her education in Freeborn, Minnesota. She married Eugene Christ and they made their first home in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Before the war, she was in charge of the children's department at the Wallace Department Store in Albert Lea. In 1948, they, along with Jim and Irene Lichliter, moved to Eagle Grove and founded the Christ/Lichliter Gambles' Hardware Store, also selling furniture. In 1973, Lillian and Eugene continued the business as Christ Furniture and in 1984, sold the business to their son, Jim Christ.

After their retirement, Lillian and Gene traveled south for the winters and enjoyed traveling and ballroom dancing in the United States and abroad, and meeting new friends in the process. Lillian also liked to sew her own dance dresses, bake and cook.

Lillian was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Evangelical Lutheran Church Circle and the Red Hat Club of Rotary Ann.

Survivors include her husband, Eugene Christ; two sons, Tom Christ and wife, Gail of Des Moines and Jim Christ and wife, Gayle of Eagle Grove; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sister, Alice Daffinrud of Albert Lea, Minnesota; brother-in-law, David Christ of Wells, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Monte; and a sister, Muriel Cornick.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Larry D. Kinseth

January 15, 2009

Larry D. Kinseth, age 69, of Belmond, died on Monday, January 5, 2009, at his home in Belmond, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 8, at the Belmond United Methodist Church. The Reverend Michael Druhl and Reverend Troy Pfibsen officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Larry Dean Kinseth, the son on Bernold and Neva (Ohler) Kinseth, was born on December 10, 1939, on the family farm. He attended the Belmond Community Schools and graduated from the Belmond High School.

Larry was united marriage to Vicki Wolfe on March 9, 1957. The couple was later divorced. Larry married Sharon Matson on May 6, 1978 in Belmond. Larry was a partner and operator in Kinseth's Plumbing and Heating in Belmond, from 1963 until his retirement in the early 1990's.

Through out his life Larry was active in the Belmond community, serving as a member of the Belmond Industrial Development Board (BIDCO), Belmond Country Club member and past officer, as a driver for the Belmond Care Car, was a member of the Gridiron Club, and had been a member and served in various offices with the Belmond Jaycees. He was a life long member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed.

Larry was an avid and very competitive bridge player. He had a very high rating for his card playing skills. Larry enjoyed daily trips downtown to have coffee and conversation with his many friends. A favorite passion was playing golf. He looked forward to any opportunity to be on the links in the camaraderie of friends, wife Sharon, and other family who shared his love of the game. If it wasn't raining or snowing one could count on Larry being out on the course with many of his buddies who enjoyed his friendship and love of the game.

Larry enjoyed sports and looked forward to attending many of his children and grandchildren's extracurricular activities. Be it a softball game, baseball, or basketball game, one would often find Larry in the stands supporting his family as their number one cheerleader.

His memory will live on in the lives of his wife, Sharon Kinseth of Belmond; his children, Rick and wife, Angie Kinseth of Belmond, Laurie Steenblock of Belmond and Kim and husband, Brian Kuester of Belmond; step-daughters, Tami Dorr of Sacramento, California and Dawn and husband, Rob Breza of Victoria, Minnesota; one brother, Roland and wife, Marge Kinseth of Belmond; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Roger; three sisters, Ardith Buchanan, Avon Armour and Maxine Dorr; one sister-in-law, Marian Kinseth; and three brothers-in-law, Ronald "Punch" Armour, Gordon Buchanan and Paul Dorr.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Rodney D. Balsley

January 15, 2009

Rodney Dean Balsley, 51, of Clarion, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at his home.

Memorial services were held on Monday, January 12, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dr. Mike Kroona officiating. Burial followed in the Graceland Cemetery.

Rodney Dean Balsley, son of Arnold Jr. and Julie Nelson Balsley was born on September 13, 1957 in Webster City. He received his education from the Webster City Community Schools. In December of 1975, he married Vicki Kraft at the Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple resided in Eagle Grove. They later divorced. Rod's main vocation was in the construction and carpentry fields, where he was employed for Y.O.U.R. Inc. for many years. In 1997, he moved to Clarion where he currently lived with his loving companion, Lori Humphrey.

In addition to his loving companion, Lori; he is survived by his children, Matira Balsley of Austin, Minnesota, Matthew Balsley of Iowa Falls and McKayla Balsley of Clarion; step-children, Cory Humphrey, Jaci Gansen, Rachel Rice, Brandon Manning, Jordan Manning and Luke Froisland; five step-grandchildren; father, Arnold Balsley Jr. of Webster City; two brothers, Randy Balsley of Webster City and Rick Balsley of Snowflake, Arizona; and one sister, Becky Dixon of Eagle Grove.

Rod was preceded in death by his mother, Julie Balsley; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Verla M. Darland

January 15, 2009

Verla M. Darland, 82, of Goldfield, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2009, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Monday, January 12, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Verla May was born on December 20, 1926 in Goldfield, to Harry and Beatrice (Jones) Lester. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth. On March 23, 1946, Verla was united in marriage with Vergil Darland. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Oakridge Recreation and several Bridge Clubs. Verla was a homemaker.

Verla is survived by her two sons, Douglas Darland and wife, Linda of Clarion and Robert Darland and wife, Wanda of LaPine, Oregon; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Derwin (Pat) Lester of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, Norman (Elaine) Lester of Goldfield and Leo (Beverly) Lester of Goldfield; sisters, Arlene (Curtis) Terhark of St Ansgar, Pat (Butch) McKnight of Brandon, South Dakota and Yvonne Peterson of Eagle Grove; sisters-in-law, Marvel Lester and Margaret Darland; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vergil; grandson, Donavon Darland; brothers, Floyd and Arnold Lester; and sister, Marilyn Lester.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Regina E. Mosher

January 22, 2009

Regina E. Mosher, age 90, of Belmond, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2009, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Monday, January 19, at the St. John Catholic Church in Clarion. Father Nils Hernandez officiated. Burial took place in the St. John Cemetery in Clarion.

Regina Emma, the daughter of Nickolas and Christina Reiland, was born on February 2, 1918 in Clarion. She grew up in the Clarion area where she attended local schools. Regina was united in marriage to Eldon O. Mosher on November 11, 1940. The couple made their home in the Clarion area where they farmed and raised their family. After Eldon's death, Regina lived at the South Town Apartments in Clarion. She entered the Belmond Health Care Center in 2005.

Regina enjoyed fishing with her husband and grandchildren. She liked playing cards with friends and relatives. Regina loved her family and enjoyed doing things with them.

Regina was a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Clarion, St. Cecelia Circle, Wall Lake Monday Club and the Clarion Senior Citizens.

Regina is survived by a daughter-in-law, Bev Mosher of Belmond; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon; a son, Jerry; and six brothers, Pete, Francis, Merlin, Joe, Bernard and Urban.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Barbara D. Potter

January 22, 2009

Barbara D. Potter, 83, of Sioux City, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2009.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, at the Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Visitation will be Friday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at Westover and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in Des Moines in the Glendale Cemetery.

Barbara was born on December 16, 1925 in Rowan, the daughter of Kenneth and Maude Fitz. She grew up and graduated from the Clarion High School. In 1944, she joined the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corp and in 1947 she began her career as a Registered Nurse upon graduating from the University of Iowa, with a degree in nursing. Barbara met her husband, Warren C. Potter at the Veterans' Hospital in 1947 and they were married in 1948. Warren passed away in 1980.

After retiring from nursing in 1981, Barbara turned her and Warren's hobby of collecting antiques into a business and began selling antiques in shops across Iowa for nearly twenty years. She also enjoyed a variety of activities that included traveling the world, fishing in Minnesota, bird-watching, gardening, crocheting and knitting and writing jingles. In recent years she was an avid reader and a crossword puzzle enthusiast.

Survivors include her children, Susan Nail (Bill Billings) of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Bruce Potter (Bonnie) of Waterloo and Debra Potter of Chicago, Illinois; a sister, Rhea (Rich) Steenblock of Belmond; an aunt, Beth Walker of Columbia, South Carolina; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a fourth due in May; a niece; and two nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Eleanor Ruth Marker

January 29, 2009

Eleanor Ruth Marker, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the Parkview Nursing and Rehab, after a lengthy battle with many illnesses.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 21, at the Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo.

Eleanor was born at home on the farm in rural Arlington, Iowa, on March 20, 1941. She was the only child of Jesse Floyd and Esther Anna (Swales) Holtzman. Eleanor attended school in Arlington before graduating in 1958 from the Sumner High School. Immediately following high school, Eleanor married Leland Richardson at the Sumner United Methodist Church and lived in Waterloo. They divorced in 1985 and were the parents of six children. During that time, she worked doing home daycare for 15 years. She formed bonds with many of the 55 children she cared for that lasted until her death. She was also a teachers' associate for 26 years with the Waterloo School District at the Castle Hill and Edison Schools. She owned an in-home sewing and embroidery business for 26 years until she became sick in 2008.

While attending an adult singles group, she formed a special bond with one gentleman. On August 17, 1991, Eleanor married J. Edward Marker at the Grace United Methodist Church in Waterloo.

Eleanor was a member of the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. She was a mentor to many of the children she worked around while with the school system.

She was preceded in death by her father; an infant son, Deland Richardson; an aunt, uncle, sister-in-law, Delores Stivers.

She is survived by her mother, Esther of Waterloo; husband, Ed of Waterloo; five sons, Dean (Wendy) Richardson of Evansdale, Darrell (Donna) Richardson of Waterloo, David (Jodi) Richardson of Waterloo, Jeff (Debbie) Marker of Tuscola, Illinois and Jim (Kristi) Marker of Aiken, South Carolina; and two daughters, Tamie (Jerry) Stahl of Cedar Falls and Kristy (Jeff) Cain of Waterloo; two sisters-in-law, Irene (Dale) Anderlik of Riceville and Ella Gangestad of Eagle Grove; one brother-in-law, William (Sue) Richardson; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Barbara O. Reed

January 29, 2009

Barbara O. Reed, 88, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at the Careage in Clarion.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion is assisting the family. Memorials can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.

Barbara Olive Reed, was born on December 11, 1920 on a farm near Belmond, the daughter of Reuben and Edith Renicker Reed. She attended a one-room rural school and, yes, walked 2 miles to school, sometimes in the snow. While attending the Belmond High School, she qualified to compete in two state-wide contests, geometry and English grammar, and won seventh place in the state grammar contest. She graduated from the junior college at Mason City and from the State University of Iowa (SUI) at Iowa City, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a certificate in Journalism. She also received the Community Journalism award. At SUI she was proud to be one of the students of Earl English, who later was Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism in Missouri.

She could not have attended college without the generosity of a Belmond physician, Dr. George H. Steele and his wife, Inga, who cheerfully paid all expenses as needed.

Within a week of receiving her diploma at Iowa City in 1944, she moved to Moline to work for the Daily Dispatch. She served at various times as reporter, state editor, copy editor and photographer and retired in 1986 after 42 years. She moved from Moline to Rock Island in 1999. She liked animals, especially dogs and cats, and was a volunteer at the Rock Island County Animal Welfare Society in Milan. She also volunteered in the WVIK April program for reading to the blind, and at the Trinity Hospital in Rock Island.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Virginia (Donald) Sadler of Clarion; and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Arlen Gerald Hanson

January 29, 2009

Arlen Gerald Hanson, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at his home at the age of 72 years.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 24, at the Park Church of Christ in Goldfield. Pastor Robert Dishman officiated. Burial was in the East Ullensvang Cemetery in Thor.

Hanson, the son of Martin and Mabel (Larson) Hanson, was born on April 16, 1936 in Thor. He was raised in the area of his birth and graduated from the Goldfield High School in 1954. Arlen enlisted in the US Navy on November 15, 1955. He served as an electrician and was honorably discharged in 1961. On March 12, 1960, Arlen was united in marriage with Mary Axdahl at the Samuel Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. Arlen farmed near Renwick and lived in the same home for 48 years. He also owned and operated Hanson Electric for over 40 years.

Arlen loved spending time with his granddaughters. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, trapping and playing cribbage. Arlen was a current member of the Park Church of Christ in Goldfield.

Survivors include his two children, Aaron Hanson and wife, Kammy of Clarion and Laura Hanson and Jerry Davis of Humboldt; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2008; his parents; three brothers, Richard, Lynn and Merrill; and one sister-in-law, Ruth Hanson.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Patrick Porter

January 29, 2009

Patrick Porter, 76, of Fort Dodge, died on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at the Careage in Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 26, in the chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and at the Sacred Heart Church, with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery in Minburn, Iowa, with military graveside rites conducted by the Iowa Army National Honor Guard.

Patrick Francis Porter, was born on July 31, 1932 in Clarion. He was the son of Francis Leo Porter and Genevieve Doherty Porter. Pat attended the St. John's Catholic School and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1950. He attended Loras College in Dubuque for one year before entering the Army. He served in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge he then enrolled at the University of South Dakota, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After graduating from USD, he began teaching school in Colorado. While in Colorado, he attended the Colorado State Teachers College at Greeley, receiving his Master of Arts in Education. While in Colorado, Pat began working in the insurance business. He eventually relocated to Fort Dodge as an Independent Insurance Agent and had his own agency until he retired.

In June 1970, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Arndorfer at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Norma Jean died in 1972. In July 1973, Pat married Grace Husmann in Fort Dodge where they continued to make their home.

Pat's passion was playing golf. He was a member of the Fort Dodge Noon Lions Club and a past member of the Knights of Columbus Council 613.

Surviving is his wife, Grace; a sister, Sara Stark and her husband, Bob of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Loretta and Paul Johnson of Des Moines; and cousin, Robert Snyder of Fullerton, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Sharon Jean Hagie

January 29, 2009

Sharon Jean Hagie, age 68, of Clarion, formerly of Belmond, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2009, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 28, at 2:00 p.m., at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion, with Pastor Geoffrey White officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Sharon Jean (Steenhard) Hagie, the daughter of Clarence and Jennie (Wiemann) Steenhard, was born on December 13, 1940 in Latimer. Her family lived in Latimer, Britt and Meservey. She attended school in Belmond graduating from the Belmond High School. Sharon was united in marriage in March of 1963 to Charles Hagie. The couple made their home on the family farm. After her marriage she was employed at Hawk Manufacturing and later retired from Sports Graphics due to her ill health.

Sharon was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion and she thought of them as her second family.

Sharon loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed attending the many different sporting events that Chris was involved in while growing up. This continued as she watched football and basketball games on television. Sharon looked forward to her many trips with her girlfriends; they always had a great time together.

Sharon is survived by her two sons, Chris (Susie Smith and her daughter, Marlee Smith) of Denver, Colorado and Tim (Anne) of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard Kling; three nieces; and two great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn Kling; and three siblings at birth.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to Hospice of Wright County and/or Meals on Wheels of Wright County.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Inez Pearl Mechem

February 5, 2009

Inez Pearl Mechem, age 90, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2009, at the Careage in Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Monday, February 2, at the Clarion Church of Christ, Clarion. Pastor Warren Curry officiated. Burial will be at a later date.

Inez Hagen was born to Oscar and Iva Hagen on December 6, 1918. She spent her early childhood years in Dows before moving to Clarion. On November 24, 1944, Inez was united in marriage to Lynn Mechem. Two children were born to this union, Michael Lynn and Holle Rae. Inez graduated from the Clarion High School in 1937. She took pride in participating in the numerous class reunions, having enjoyed most recently the 70th class reunion. She worked at the IPS office in Clarion.

She enjoyed playing bridge, shopping, sewing and cooking. Inez took great pride in supporting her children in their activities. She was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ, an honorary 4-H member for Wright County, as well as a member of the neighborhood Ceres Circle and bridge club.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael and wife, Sue of Clarion; one daughter, Holle Smith and husband, Dennis Smith of Estherville; and four grandchildren.

Preceding Inez in death were her husband, Lynn Mechem; a sister, Dorothy Whitty; a brother, Wally Hagen; and an infant sister, Hazel.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Clifford Luewelyn Keeling

February 5, 2009

Clifford Luewelyn Keeling, age 91, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2009, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 30, at the Clarion Church of Christ in Clarion, with Rev. Warren Curry officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Military graveside services were provided by the Clarion American Legion and VFW Posts.

Clifford, the son of William and Ruth (White) Keeling, was born on May 5, 1917 in Clear Lake, Minnesota. The family moved to the Clarion area when Clifford was a baby. He grew up in the Clarion area living on land where his parents farmed. Clifford worked as a farmhand until he entered the Navy in 1942. While serving his country, Clifford was stationed aboard the Battle Ship North Carolina, and in Hawaii. He was Honorably discharged in November of 1945.

Clifford was united in marriage to Irene Thurman on November 20, 1945. Following his marriage, Clifford worked around Clarion as a farmhand before moving to Riceville in March of 1958 to work 50/50 on a farm. In the fall of 1964, the couple bought a farm in Aldrich, Minnesota, and also worked for Surge Milking Equipment. They sold the farm in 1974 and purchased a home in Staples, Minnesota. At that time he started working for Giza Plumbing in Staples. While living in Staples, Clifford also had his own saw sharpening service. The couple moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1979 and lived there for 20 years, returning to Clarion in June of 1999 to finish out his retirement.

Clifford is survived by his wife, Irene of Clarion; one son, Joseph Keeling and wife, Susan of Riceville; three daughters, Marsha Owen and husband, William of Staples, Minnesota, Nancy Shinabarger of Owatonna, Minnesota and Sally Roe and husband, Rodney of West Fargo, North Dakota; a son-in-law, Sherman Knox of Nevis, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Rosemary; a grandson, Sherman Knox, Jr.; two sisters; and three brothers.
© Wright County Monitor 2009