Clarise Renae Caillier

Clarise “Claire” Renea Caillier, age 63, of Crookston, MN. died on Tuesday, July 20th, 2021, at home surrounded by family, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. Her struggle was lessened by the support from family, friends, coworkers, and hospice.  A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

Claire was born in Ada Minnesota on November 1, 1957, All Saints Day! She was the fourth of five children to Lawrence and Amanda (Jacobson) Nelson. Claire graduated in 1976 from the Agassiz Valley School of Nursing in Crookston, Minnesota, and excelled as a nurse during her long career. She then met her husband, Mike Caillier, and they were united in marriage on June 27, 1986, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. The couple have lived in Crookston since.

Claire was a wonderful mother to her children and loved spoiling her grandchildren. Claire enjoyed gardening and was known for her salsa. She loved watching hummingbirds and sitting in the rain. She will be deeply missed by all. May God bless Claire’s memory.

Claire worked as a nurse for 40+ years, 30 of those years at Altru Health. She wanted to give a special thank-you to Dr. Bruce Ring. His friendship, strength, and faith meant the world to her. She said it was an honor to work with him and care for his patients. She enjoyed going to work every single day.

She is survived by her husband, Mike; children: Amanda (Chris) Schneider of Barnesville, MN; Adam (Amanda) Caillier of Grand Forks, ND; Kayce (Nate) Thompson of North Pole, AK; and Emily (Matt) Andrews of Crookston, MN; brothers: Wally (Edna) Nelson of Gary, MN; Lee Nelson of Hudson, WI; and Donnie (Joan) Nelson of Fosston, MN; a brother-in-law, Russell Wilson of Mentor, MN; grandchildren: Kaden, Rayah, Alexis, Lacey, Gabriel, Micah, Finn, Maxwell, Bennett, and Lauren; and many nieces and nephews.