Joan Clemenson

Joan Ardell Clemenson, 73, of Crookston, MN, died early Tuesday morning, January 3, 2012, in the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in Crookston on October 20, 1938, and was the daughter of Orris and Sophronia (Morgan) Grove. She grew up on the family's farm in Roome Township, rural Climax, MN, and was baptized and confirmed at the nearby Sand Hill Lutheran Church. Joan graduated from Climax High School in 1956, and a few weeks later, on July 2nd, was united in marriage to Orris E. Erickson at Sand Hill. Joan and Orris made their home near Climax and together raised five children: Bonita, Todd, Michael, Stephen, and Kristi. In 1970 they moved into Crookston. Very tragically, Orris was killed in a snowmobile accident on February 12, 1972. On May 9, 1975 Joan married Andwick "Andy" Clemenson in a ceremony that took place in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. Their new blended family combined Andy's ten children with her five children to create one large, but very happy family. Joan and Andy enjoyed bowling, traveling, and being together. Sadly, after twenty-eight years of marriage Andy died very unexpectedly on May 19, 2003. Joan was a devoted member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. She was very active in the Sons of Norway, Morgensol Lodge #458, and held every office during her 44-year membership. She also held several offices in the auxiliaries of Eagles Aerie #873, American Legion Post #20; and VFW Post #1902. Joan was an avid bowler and during league season it would not be unusual to find her at Corral Lanes in Crookston, either getting ready to bowl or just finishing. She had been secretary/treasurer for several of the leagues, and also served as association secretary for the WIBC Association. Joan participated in the Home Delivered Meals Program for several years and was always willing to help with whatever needed doing. She was raised on a farm, and as the old saying goes, "you can take the girl away from the farm, but you can never take the farm away from the girl." In bygone years she spent lots of time working in her brothers' fields. When a call went out for help driving a tractor during harvest time Joan was right there, sometimes putting in a 14-hour day. She especially loved working the Sugar Beet harvest; driving a sugarbeet truck for her father, and later for her brothers. Finally after 43 years as a driver, Joan retired at the age of 70. She loved to embroider and had made dish towels for each one of her grandchildren. She found great peace while working in her flower beds, and taking care of her yard. After Andy's death, Joan found consolation in traveling to visit her children, brothers, and sisters. She also enjoyed spending time with her many friends, and eventually one of those friendships grew to become something very special. For the past 5 years she shared a special love with her fiancé, Erwin "Mike" Reitmeier. Joan touched the hearts of so many people and she will be deeply missed. May God bless Joan's memory. Left to continue their journey through life are her fiancé, Erwin "Mike" Reitmeier of Crookston, MN; 15 children: Bonita and Mike Rakoczy of Inkster, ND, Todd and Carol Erickson of Sydney, MT, Michael and Annette Erickson of Neualbenrault, Germany, Stephen and Barb Erickson of Crookston, Kristi and Craig Parker of Belgrade, MT, LeRoy and Joni Clemenson of Crookston, Sandy and Ron Selzer of Wyndmere, ND, LaVonne Clemenson of East Grand Forks, MN, Verla and Paul Hennings and Tammy and Bruce Kivley of Fargo, ND, Larry Clemenson and Terry and Leanna Clemenson of Denver, CO, Bryan and Kim Clemenson of Lees, Oldham, England, Ellert Clemenson of Porterville, CA, and Twyla and Richard Somasi of Drummond, ID; together with 22 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Joan also leaves her fiancé Mike's children and their families: Michael Reitmeier of Minto, ND, Mari Beth Reitmeier of West Fargo, ND, and Lori and Randy Wolff of East Grand Forks; as well as, 2 brothers and 3 sisters: James Grove, and Harlow and Peggy Grove of Climax, MN, Eunice and Darryl Anderson of Mesa, AZ, and Gail and Robert Hasbrouck and Debbie and Richard "Red" Normandin of Crookston; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her husbands, Orris Erickson and Andy Clemenson, Joan was preceded in death by an infant son, Rickie, who died at birth; a grandson, Jason Clemenson; and her parents, Orris and Sophronia Grove. The funeral service for Joan Clemenson will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10:30 am, in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Jo Gast, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service and time of memory sharing. Visitation will also be at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston. Online registry at www.stenshoelhouske.com





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

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, January 6, 2012
Service
Saturday, January 7, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, January 7, 2012