1914
Clarence
2005
Clarence Kleindl
September 18, 1914 — October 10, 2005
Clarence William Kleindl was born September 18, 1914, in Browns Valley, MN, to parents John and Margaret (Ehrnst) Kleindl. He was baptized at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley and confirmed at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Barry, MN. The family moved to Park Rapids, MN in 1918 and he began his schooling there, moving back to the Barry vicinity in 1923, where he attended school in the rural districts and graduated from eighth grade.
Clarence farmed with his father until 1941, when he entered the U.S. Army and served his country for four years, 1941 to 1945. He spent two years training in the States, and left for overseas to the European Theater of War. He was a Staff Sergeant and platoon commander of Company B. 3rd Armored Division. Their unit crossed the English Channel the second day of the Invasion of Omaha Beach. They fought in six western European campaigns, in Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and in central Germany. They were known as the "Spearhead" of the first Americans in the west. Clarence talked much of experiences in the service, but was saddened by death of his buddies, and always commented on the little children in orphanages and that the G.I.'s always carried extra chocolate bars for them. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
In 1946, Clarence was united in marriage to Dorothy Billiet on January 23rd at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, MN. To this union six children, Mary, Patricia, William, Monica, Gerard and Alan were born. They lived on a farm near Barry until 1998, when Clarence and Dorothy moved to Graceville. Clarence was a very devoted and loving Father and Grandfather. He always enjoyed showing the grandchildren a good time at the farm.
Clarence was an active person in his community. He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church serving as a trustee for many years and was one of the first lectors under Father Roehl. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, member of the American Legion, Treasurer of the Toqua Township Board for 50 years, a director of the Barry Farmers Elevator for 26 years, a member of the Farmers Union all his farming life, and a N.F.O. member.
Clarence's favorite hobby was visiting with his friends. He also enjoyed fishing, jigsaw puzzles, playing bingo, mowing lawn, repairing farm equipment and gardening. For many years he shared his produce with the Holy Trinity Hospital, Grace Home and many friends who had no garden.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, one sister Rose Wencel, three brothers, Alvin, Edward and Joseph.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children Mary (Gene) Sanasack of Graceville, MN, Patricia Kleindl of St. Cloud, MN, William (Shelly) Kleindl of Graceville, MN, Monica (Jim) Watkins of Alexandria, MN, Gerard Kleindl of Hutchinson, MN, and Alan Kleindl of Graceville, MN; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Clarence farmed with his father until 1941, when he entered the U.S. Army and served his country for four years, 1941 to 1945. He spent two years training in the States, and left for overseas to the European Theater of War. He was a Staff Sergeant and platoon commander of Company B. 3rd Armored Division. Their unit crossed the English Channel the second day of the Invasion of Omaha Beach. They fought in six western European campaigns, in Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and in central Germany. They were known as the "Spearhead" of the first Americans in the west. Clarence talked much of experiences in the service, but was saddened by death of his buddies, and always commented on the little children in orphanages and that the G.I.'s always carried extra chocolate bars for them. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
In 1946, Clarence was united in marriage to Dorothy Billiet on January 23rd at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, MN. To this union six children, Mary, Patricia, William, Monica, Gerard and Alan were born. They lived on a farm near Barry until 1998, when Clarence and Dorothy moved to Graceville. Clarence was a very devoted and loving Father and Grandfather. He always enjoyed showing the grandchildren a good time at the farm.
Clarence was an active person in his community. He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church serving as a trustee for many years and was one of the first lectors under Father Roehl. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, member of the American Legion, Treasurer of the Toqua Township Board for 50 years, a director of the Barry Farmers Elevator for 26 years, a member of the Farmers Union all his farming life, and a N.F.O. member.
Clarence's favorite hobby was visiting with his friends. He also enjoyed fishing, jigsaw puzzles, playing bingo, mowing lawn, repairing farm equipment and gardening. For many years he shared his produce with the Holy Trinity Hospital, Grace Home and many friends who had no garden.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, one sister Rose Wencel, three brothers, Alvin, Edward and Joseph.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children Mary (Gene) Sanasack of Graceville, MN, Patricia Kleindl of St. Cloud, MN, William (Shelly) Kleindl of Graceville, MN, Monica (Jim) Watkins of Alexandria, MN, Gerard Kleindl of Hutchinson, MN, and Alan Kleindl of Graceville, MN; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.