Willis Clemenson

willis clemenson

Willis A. Clemenson, 79, Fargo, passed away Sunday, October 7, 2012 at Sanford Health Palliative Care, Fargo.

Willis was born June 4, 1933 in Horace, North Dakota to Oscar and Mary (Anderson) Clemenson.  He grew up on the family farm near Horace.  He attended school in Horace.  Willis started working for American Crystal Sugar in 1949 during the fall campaigns.  In July 1952 he began continuous employment with the company for the next 43 years.  He retired on June 2, 1995.

Willis married Gilberta Cossette on July 26, 1952 in St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Wild Rice.  The couple made their home in Fargo. 

He is survived by his wife Gilberta; son, Wayne (Deb), Fargo and their children, Scott (Becca) and Nick Clemenson; daughter, June (Dean) Edmunds, Fargo and their daughter, Noel Edmunds; sisters, Betty Lien, Fargo, Emily Olson, West Fargo; and brothers, Oliver (Lorna), Crookston, MN, Wilfred Clemenson, Fargo, Marvin (Dorothy), Moorhead.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers.

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  1. Fargo ND
    I am so sad to read that Willis has passed. He was a very friendly neighbor. I loved visiting with him during his daily walks. When we moved away, we still got to see him every Wednesday when he would stop by to collect our cans on the way to the softball diamonds. My kids loved seeing him when he would pull up. I knew something was wrong when I suddenly had a slough of cans at my house. I am terribly saddened that he is gone AND that I was unaware until now. I hope Gilberta and the rest of his family are at peace knowing that he was one of a kind and will be missed tremendously!

  2. Fargo ND
    June,

    I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. Dad’s hold a special place in a Daughter’s heart. Think of him often with tears and smiles. And remember, never say “good bye”. He’ll always be close to you.
    With Sympathy and Love,
    Pat Olson

  3. Fargo ND
    On behalf of all local softball players, we are saddened to hear of Willis’ passing. He always made a point to stop out after our games to see how things went and clean up after us younger guys. He was always so proud to say that he was able to help his grandchildren out with the proceeds of his collections. Softball nights won’t be the same, Fargo lost a great man!

    May your memories ease the pain during this difficult time.

  4. I have never met this man, but from the Fargo Forum article, he sounds like a GREAT guy and role model for everyone. God doesn’t make a lot of people like him anymore. He will be missed in the community. God Bless.

    David

  5. Mapleton ND
    I didn’t know Willis personally, but I do know of him from the years of softball my husband had participated in. He was such a nice, sweet, polite man going around collecting cans. We always piled our cans together just for him and waited for when he came through. Even though I didn’t really know him, this news saddens me greatly and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We will definately miss him at the softball complexes. He will definately be remembered anytime we pass a ball diamond! He will be missed!

  6. Des Moines Ia.May you find comfort in our Lords promise that we all will be together again, Gilberta,Wayne,June and family I am keeping you in prayer thru this difficult time of losing your loved one-husband,father, grandparent.
    May God hold You all close to him and you draw him near.
    Willis you will be missed . God Be with you all.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Anne

  7. Fargo ND
    Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you, although you do not know Jeff and I Willis was like family to us, yes he was our CanMan, we truly missed him this past summer and thought of him quite often we will miss most of all his great attitude and wonderful smile, we are grateful to have had him as a friend and will say prayers for all of you thru this trying time
    Jeff & Roxanne Jevne
    Softball Friends

  8. Roseland NJAunt Gilbert, I am so sorry for everything you are going through. I know you will miss Willis so much. But you are a strong woman and will get through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love you!

  9. Fargo, North Dakota
    Dear June, Dean and Noel and family,

    You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know how hard it is to say good- bye to a loved one. It just isn’t easy. Especially when it is a parent. There are so many wonderful memories that you all have that can give you much comfort at this time. Be sure to talk of him often and laugh as well as cry together. May you rest in the arms of Jesus and may He give you the peace that only He can give. Take care….love to all of you.

    Craig and Joan

  10. Clarksville TennesseeAunt Gilberta, Wayne and June & Family
    My fondest memories are when I was young walking with my dad & mom to your house and visiting for hours, as Uncle Willis always had a bright smile waiting to greet us. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of sadness.

  11. St. Louis Park MN
    Gilberta, Wayne, June and families,
    My heartfelt sympathy as you mourn the death of Uncle Willis. I think of Uncle Willis having a quiet gentleness. May you have the peace and comfort of our LORD Jesus who has given us the hope of eternal life. You are in my prayers.
    Love, Juliane

  12. fargo n.d.To Wayne and Family : Sorry to hear of the loss of Willis we shared some good times deer hunting together and I will always remember him in those wonderful happy times God Bless

  13. Longmont COGilberta and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of Willis’ passing. Please know I am thinking of you all and praying for you at this time of sadness.


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