Clarence Reitmeier

Clarence Ervin Reitmeier, 96, of Crookston, MN, died at his rural home on Friday afternoon, April 11, 2014, with his loving wife, Doris, and their children at his side. Clarence was born at Crookston on September 18, 1917, the son of Fred and Katherine (Wigand) Reitmeier. He grew up on the family farm in Fanny Township, was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Crookston, and attended the Fanny Township Country School, otherwise known as the 'Tin Schoolhouse.' It can be truthfully said that Clarence was a farmer from the time he could first walk. During the early years he worked the soil using horse drawn equipment covering a few acres a day, and eventually drove huge multi-horsepower tractors and other equipment that could plant and harvest hundreds of acres a day. He was grateful to have been mentored by his father, Fred, and especially proud to have mentored his son, Jim, and son-in-law, Dan, as they began their own lives as farmers. During his career Clarence was always optimistic about what lay ahead during the coming year, and the ones to follow; and it can also be truthfully said that he didn't retire until drawing his last breath on Friday. Clarence was united in marriage to Doris A. Ross on November 14, 1940 at the home of her parents, Ferdinand and Minnie Ross of Fisher, MN. Scripture used for their ceremony included the verse, "I will never leave thee or forsake thee", a creed that they embraced throughout 73 years of marriage. Clarence and Doris called their farm in Fanny Township home to the present time, and is where, together, they raised five children: Jeanette, Elaine, Carol, Connie, and Jim. Very sadly, their son, Calvin, died just a few days after birth in 1945. While the kids were growing up, showing horses became one of their passions. Though Clarence may have had a hard time understanding why they would want to be out in the hot sun showing horses instead of lazing by the lake, swimming and fishing, he rarely ever missed one of their events. Fishing and hunting were favorite pastimes, almost as important to him as breathing, and he loved those times spent with family and friends. Clarence was an avid Twins fan, and never gave up on them no matter how the season was going. In his younger days he taught himself to play the harmonica, and played his entire repertoire by ear. In later years, as it became more difficult to get up and down from the tractor, Clarence became more of a gardener, surprising his kids by leaving boxes of things he grew on their doorsteps.

Clarence and Doris were longtime members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and he served several terms as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Clarence was also on the Fanny Township Board for many years, and belonged to the Farmers Union. Faith, family, farming, and friends were the hallmarks of his life. He was patient, forgiving, and a smile or word of encouragement was never far from his lips. He leaves Doris and their family with the knowledge that he is OK and they will all be together again. In the meantime, "enjoy the moment." Blessed be Clarence's memory. Loving family members include his beloved wife, Doris; five children: Jeanette "Jan" and Dick Hanson of West Chicago, IL, Elaine and Corky Miller, Carol and Tom Hunt, Connie and Dan Cooley, and Jim and Robin Reitmeier, all of Crookston, MN; 11 grandchildren: Lori (Alex) Munoz, Lisa (Jim) Gardner, Bryan (Denise) Hanson, Jessica (Casey) McKenna, Orion Miller, Katie (Andy) Fee, Clarence "Carl" (Dawn) Hunt, Sarah Cooley, Kristi (Erik) Griffin, Jackie (Brandon) Otway, and Kelly Reitmeier; and 17 great-grandchildren: Amanda (Conor) Grealsh, Cristie and Alexandria Munoz, Emily and Eddie Forsythe, Jon, Hannah, and Quyn Gardner, James and Cathryn Hanson, Hannah Cook, Hayley, Kylie, Nicole and Daniele McKenna, and Addie and Kelby Fee. He also leaves a sister, Alice (Curtis) Pierce of Benson, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to his son, Calvin, Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Katherine; and two sisters, Edna Reitmeier and Helen Romuld. The funeral service and celebration the life of Clarence Ervin Reitmeier will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-7PM, with a 7PM prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. Memorial may be given in Clarence's name to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church School.







Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Service
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
cemetery
Wednesday, April 16, 2014