Gustav R. "Dick" Clemenson

   Gustav R. “Dick” Clemenson peacefully passed away on Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2016 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.  He was surrounded by his wife, Kathy, and his children, Rick and Sue Ellen.  Dick was born October 14, 1941 to Gustav and Mavis (Berg) Clemenson in Bagley, MN.  Dick attended school through the 9th grade in Oklee, MN, before his family moved to Hinckley, MN in 1956, where he graduated high school in 1959.  He attended Macalester College for one year on a football scholarship, and later attended St Cloud State.  Dick was united in marriage to Kathleen J. Maser, August 25, 1962 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Hinckley MN.  To this union, three children were born, Glenn Richard “Rick,” Robert David, and Sue Ellen.  In 1971, the family moved to Pine City, MN where he started his banking career at First National Bank.  Dick served as Pine City Mayor for one term during the 1970's.  While in Pine City, Dick was very active in the Jaycees, serving at all levels of the organization.   When Farmers State Bank of Waubun branch in Callaway began in 1978, Dick was hired as an officer and the family moved to Callaway, MN.  He was employed by The Farmers State Bank until 1993, when he became disabled due to nearly total hearing loss.   Dick and Kathy enjoyed many trips, traveling throughout the United States, as well as various trips to Europe and Canada.  They especially enjoyed visiting America's National Parks and Monuments.  With many friends and family, Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing throughout his life.  He was an avid Twins, Vikings and Gophers Football fan, a competitive pinochle player, an active member in the churches in which he was a member, completed many crosswords, and always enjoyed a good discussion about current events.   Dick will be remembered by many, both in business and personal relationships, as a compassionate and respectful man.  He challenged people in his life to succeed in whatever way that meant to them.  He believed everyone deserved a chance to gain financial and personal success, and if he could be a part of them getting this chance, he did it.   Dick loved his wife, Kathy, with his whole heart and he was proud of his children in their life endeavors.  Once his grandchildren came into his life, he was thoroughly fascinated by them and he taught them to play chess, go fishing and to play golf.  He also loved to regale his childhood experiences, much to their delight.   Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav (1974) and Mavis (2013), and his son, Robert (1975).  Dick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy, Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Rick (Tracey) Clemenson,  West Fargo, ND; daughter, Sue Ellen (Clayton) Toppings, Eden Prairie, MN; three grandchildren, Zoe (15), Andrew (14), and Harrison (11), Eden Prairie, MN; three sisters, Bette Lynn (Mark Jones) Clemenson, Cedar, MN; Sue Ellen Lyseng, Bemidji MN; Jerri Ann (Steven) Booth, Bemidji, MN; sister-in-law, Jean (David) Tenquist, Scottsdale, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.   Visitation will be held at West-Kjos Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and prior to the funeral service.  Funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 11:00am. Dick will be buried in Pine City next to his son, Robbie, in the spring of 2017.   After 23 years of being deaf, Dick’s family takes great comfort in knowing that he joined his Lord just in time to celebrate Christmas with his favorite music that he would now be able to hear and sing along, and probably even in tune!