Richard Clarens
August 12, 1930 ~ January 10, 2024
Born in:
Valley City, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Live Stream:
Richard “Dick” Dean Clarens was born to Frank and Elizabeth “Bessie” (Overn) Clarens on August 12, 1930, in Valley City, ND. He was raised in many different North Dakota towns (including Sanborn, Embden, and Kathryn) because his father was a depot agent. As a toddler he resided for a time in the Embden depot, which is now located in Bonanzaville Pioneer Village in West Fargo, ND. Growing up, he spent a lot of time with his grandparents, Nick and Rose Clarens, in Sanborn, ND. Dick considered Alice, ND, home and graduated from Enderlin High School in 1948. After the death of his father in 1955, his widowed mother married Ervin Murray in 1958.
Dick attended St. John’s University for one semester and then enlisted in the US Navy. He served one-year in active duty and then transferred to the Naval Reserves. He attended school at North Dakota Agricultural College, Fargo, ND, while also studying under his dad to become a depot agent. In 1952 he was recalled to active-duty service during the Korean War. He served two years on the flight deck crew, aboard the USS Valley Forge, CVA45, Task Force 77, off the coast of Korea. Upon discharge, he returned to school at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
While on Navy leave, Dick married Leone Metcalf on September 24, 1952, in Valley City, ND. He received his Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Composite Science and Education in 1957. He taught science and biology in Wahpeton, ND, for nine years and was Assistant Principal for three years. In the summers, he worked on residential construction and carpentry. He helped build many houses in Wahpeton and Fargo. Dick received his Master’s in Zoology and Educational Administration from NDSU in 1963. In 1966 the family moved to Park River, ND, as Dick became the principal of Walsh County Ag School which later became the Park River High School. He retired in 1991 after 25 years of service having earned the respect of many students. He always enjoyed hearing updates from his past students. He is remembered for living through the changing eras and norms of hair length, dress length, belts, and acceptance of blue jeans by generations of high school students. Many can call to mind some of his quotes, including “Seniors…seventh graders…samey samey” and “dogs walk on grass…people walk on sidewalks…so get on the sidewalk”, “The Navy won the war!”. No doubt, his students remember many more.
Dick and Leone moved to Fargo, ND, in 1995. He loved his time at the family cabin that was started by his parents and of which he made many additions and improvements over the years. He especially enjoyed “holding office” and grilling time at his Round Lake garage with family and neighbors. Dick also enjoyed spending time on his home deck with his North Fargo neighbors and in his later years especially appreciated their help and friendship. Dick’s hobbies included traveling, reading, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends at the lake. He was a lifelong learner – he remembered much of his chemistry and zoology facts and formulas all his life. He was a loyal NDSU Bison Football fan – a season ticket holder for many years. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Dick and Leone had wonderful memories taking trips with Fr. Phil Ackerman and the Holy Spirit Retirees.
He is survived by his children, Rick (Ruth) Clarens; Mary Lee (Cindy Roholt) Clarens, and Diann (Lee) Hoedl, all of Fargo, ND; step siblings, Jim Murray, Pueblo, CO and Justin (Jan) Murray, Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Christine (Eric) Uggerud, Jim (Kristi) Farnsworth, Johanna Clarens, Andrea (Sam) Dwyer, Laura (Bret) Jordahl, Leo Hoedl, Emily Hoedl, Hannah Hoedl, and Nicholas Hoedl; great grandchildren, Josiah, Lydia, Anna, Timothy, and Samuel Uggerud, Alina, Nathaniel, Naomi, and Clara Farnsworth, Andrew and Leah Dwyer, and Sarah Jordahl.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Leone; mother, Bessie; father, Frank; stepfather, Ervin; stepsister, Joan Murray; step sister-in-law, Audrey Murray; and grandchild, Rachel Clarens Farnsworth.
Special thanks to the Fargo VA and Essentia Healthcare teams that provided extraordinary care with such skill and compassion. Dick was especially grateful for the care and consideration he received from Dr. Mastel and Dr. Wombach. He frequently stated how lucky he was to be cared for by the wonderful people at this world class VA Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation be made to a veteran’s charity of your choosing.
Services
Funeral Service - Monday: January 15, 2024 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation - Monday: January 15, 2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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May the Lord comfort your hearts during this tender time.
With heartfelt memories of Uncle Dick, my thoughts and love are with you all as we celebrate a life well lived as he has loved us all. Peace and comfort, and God’s mercy always.
Sending you much warmth and aloha. Your “Indiana Metcalf” cousins are surrounding you with thoughts of comfort and peace in this time of remembrance of your father.
A warm salute for my favorite Biology teacher. We pestered each other well, but my memories have always been good ones. Carry on, sir.
Rick, Mary and Diann,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad! It was good that you were in close proximity of him, and could visit.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your families!
Sorry for your loss. We have known your dad for many years as a neighbor at Round Lake. He was a man of wisdom and would be willing to share it with those that he was around. He and another neighbor, Andy, could often be seen sitting at your garage opening enjoying the afternoon weather and discussing world problems. Those are great memories and something to hold on to as you say your last goodbye. Dick will be missed. Roger & Gloria Muth
I am SO very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I had the privilege of being a student under his principalship and later working with him as a teacher. There was never a shortage of ribbing between us . He could always be counted on for a comment or two…maybe three. I admired his fairness and how our families always came first. He will surely be missed.
My sincere condolences to the Clarens family.
It was very fitting for me to be subbing/teaching Special Ed at Bennett Elementary yesterday when I received the text from my wife Di that my father (in-law) Dick had passed in the early afternoon. He was a scholar, a high school educator, and a high school principal for many years at Park River High School. When I spoke with him a few days ago, he was excited about hearing where I was subbing and for what subject I was subbing. It always felt good that he was proud of what I was doing in the field of education in my later years.
When I first met him (and Di and I were only friends), he was larger than life; an intellect you wouldn’t want to match wits with when it came to natural and applied sciences. As I got to know him better, I realized he was simply a man of science… and of fine grilling.
For the past two decades when I (or Di and I) would go to the lake home, it would eventually become 4 pm on Saturday afternoon and Dick would ask me, “Is it time to open the Office?” That was his way of nudging me along to prep the grilling just outside the detached garage from the lake home.
I would open the garage door, pull out the grill and set it to the appropriate temperature to warm… and then I would walk back up to the lakeside and announce, “The Office is open.” As Dick walked down to the Office, I was responsible to prepare two very cold and dry vodka martinis and bring them down to the Office as he prepared the folding lawn chairs in the Office (garage), just out of the setting sun’s heat.
Once he had a drink in hand, I would race back to the lake home and bring down the item I was grilling (i.e. salmon, smoked ribs, steak, stuffed parmesan chicken, rarely hamburgers, etc.). The longer it took for the entree to cook, the more likely there would be request for a second “tarmini,” as Dick liked to call a martini.
We would listen to the smooth jazz/Rat Pack station out of Detroit Lakes while slowly sipping on our drinks and allowing the aroma from the grill to permeate the Office. I always felt the Office was never opened long enough for our worldly and philosophical/political discussions and debates… and then the meat was ready and dinner began in the lake home…
With the passing of my Office mate, my dissenting opinion, my library buddy, my confidante, and my scholarly mentor, the Office is officially closed.
As a member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Clarens was a good man who lived an honorable life. I was fortunate to be a student in his biology class at Wahpeton High School, with his warm, calm demeanor and gentle smile that reinforced his motivating learning experience.
I remember Mr. Clarens quite well. He was my sophomore biology teacher at Wahpeton High School. He was also the advisor for the Science Club. During my senior year, he decided that I should be the club president as I was the only senior.
When I was in High School, the Wrestling program was just getting started. I was the student manager. The practice area was in the back of the biology classroom. I got to talk to Mr, Clarens a lot as I rolled out the mats at the end of the day. My condolences on your loss.
Karla – thank you for the incredible care you provided to our Dad while at Essentia! We appreciate all the extras your provided him…from making strawberry shakes to singing Tiny Bubbles to make him smile. You made such a difference to him…to us on those final days. Thank you.
Fond high school memories!
I moved to Park River with my family when I was in 9th grade and attended WCAS which became Park River High School. I graduated in 1974. Mr. Clarens was our High School Principal. He was a very decent man, and pretty no-nonsense. I was always a bit of a teacher’s pet, so I didn’t have any trouble with Mr. Clarens. He called me into his office just once. My Pa and I went duck hunting very early on a school day, intending I would make it to school on time. I was a few minutes late. I’ll admit I was a bit miffed when he called me in to chastise me for being late, considering it was the only time I was late in 4 years. But I always liked and respected him. I wish I had known he was a veteran. Knowing that now gives me even more respect for him. Ruth was in my brother’s class, and Rick was a senior when I was a freshmen. My late wife, Paula, and I got to know Rick and Ruth well at Hope Lutheran in Fargo, and through Bible Study Fellowship. A wonderful Christian family. I didn’t know Mr. Clarens had moved to Fargo, I would have enjoyed visiting with him. I pray our Heavenly Father will provide comfort, love, peace, and joy to the entire family at this time of mourning. Love in Christ. Monty
Correction: Mary was in my brother’s class.
Our deepest sympathy to the Clarens family in the loss of your dad. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
My condolences to the entire family. Mr. Clarens was truly one of the great ones. I had him as a Principal from 1977-1983 but knew him since 1971 and would check in when I was back in Park River.
Many a good natured ribbing about the Navy doing a great job of giving the Marines a ride so they could fight vs the Navy doing it all and I am sure many remember when he wore his polished white shoes to school. I always appreciated that he put up with my antics so well and treated everyone with kindness and fairness.
Condolences from the Baumann family.
Prayers are with the Clarens family. If it weren’t for Richard I would not have continued in math all 4 years. I have used my algebra many times as a general contractor and carpenter. Richard definitely commanded the halls at WCAS in Park River with respect and dry humor. God be with the family.
We express our sympathy and prayers for the family of Dick Clarens. Dick was my brother Roger’s and my biology teacher at Wahpeton High School in 1957 and 1958. We loved him as our teacher, coach, and advisor. We kept in contact with him over the years when he was in Park River and later in Fargo. We invited him to be our speaker at our 50th class reunion in Wahpeton in 2010 along with his friend Dick Koppenhaver and Carol (Bradley) Stoltenow. My wife Marilyn was an elementary teacher in Wahpeton when Dick taught there. We continued to send letters to Dick each Christmas and called him periodically. Thank you Dick for being a great teacher and impacting so many young people.
My sympathies to the Claren’s family. Your Dad had a full life of service to his country and to the communities of Park River and Fargo. God rest his soul and comfort to you in this time of sorrow.
Amy Tallackson Elbert
Such fond memories of my biology teacher at Wahpeton High school in the late 60’s.
He had a sense of humor, with a pleasant and languid smile; he made it easy to feel comfortable in class.
My sympathies in your loss of a generational hero.
Barbara Lehman Werre
We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was so welcoming as a neighbor when we purchased our home and we enjoyed many visits from the back yard on summer evenings when he wasn’t at the Lake. He will be missed!