Clarence Vernon Bartram

Clarence Vernon Bartram, age 91, passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Clarence Vernon Bartram was born August 27, 1934, in Alexander, ND to Hubert and Esther (McLaughlin) Bartram. Clarence went to school for several years before proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. during the Korean Conflict. After his service, he married the love of his life, Barbara Salveson, on July 15, 1956, at Stordahl Church in rural Wildrose, ND.

Clarence started his working life as a co-owner with his wife of A-1 Rental in Minot from 1961 to 1985. From there, they purchased and worked at Granite Springs Water and Ice from 1986 to 2000 and Casa Motel and Campground in Minot from 1997 to 2004. Clarence was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot and an active member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in West Fargo. He lived in Surrey, ND for 12 years and was on the Surrey school board for 10 years. He took part in the Eagle’s Club of Minot for over 40 years. Clarence and Barbara were charter members of Hope Lutheran Church of Surrey and of the Norsk Hostfest in Minot.

Clarence spent his retirement traveling with Barbara for 12 years throughout the western U.S. in their motor home. They settled in Texas for the next 12 years before moving back to Fargo in 2005 to be closer to family.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Kevin (Lori) Bartram, and Joey (Georgia Nelson) Bartram; son-in-law, Brian Vail; siblings, Elaine Knudson, Hubert Bartram, and Gerald (Mary) Bartram; grandchildren, Kyle (Kassandra) Bartram, Katherine “Katie” (David) Vining, and Annie Rose (Jasper Ehli) Vail; and great-grandchildren, Jaylyn Vining, Tatum Vining and Leo Ehli, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vicki Vail; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger Knudson, David (Barbara) Salveson, Lucille Bartram and Patricia (Bruce) Dawley.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude and deep appreciation to the wonderful Willow Lane staff at Bethany Retirement Living on University, Fargo. Thank you for the loving care that you provided for Clarence and extended to all of us. We are also grateful to Ethos Hospice for joining Clarence’s Care Team in his last few days.