Clarence Graphenteen

Clarence Fred Graphenteen…

was born to Fred and Lore (Brockberg) Graphenteen on June 23, 1929 in Alexandria, Minnesota. He lived on the family farm in Villard, Minnesota until moving to Trosky, Minnesota in 1930. He graduated from Edgerton High School in 1948. On July 7, 1951, he was married to Lois Beeney and shortly afterwards moved to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Clarence worked as a cable splicer for Central Telephone Company, later known as Centel Corporation. Throughout his years with the company, he worked as a purchasing agent, engineer and served in management positions. In 1986, he retired with over thirty years of service to the company. In his retirement, Clarence and Lois moved back to his hometown of Trosky. They bought land that Clarence had lived on as a child and lived there for the remainder of their retirement. Lois preceded him in death on September 5, 2014. On May 6, 2019, he became a resident at Edgerton Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota where he died on October 7, 2022 at the age of 93 years, three months and 14 days.

Clarence was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Trosky. He was baptized on July 9, 1929 in Villard and confirmed in 1944 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Trosky. He enjoyed farming, fishing and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities. Family was always first for him and he looked forward to each family gathering that brought everyone together. He will be remembered for his strong Christian faith, his love and commitment to his family, his willingness to always serve others and his unwavering work ethic.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Dennis (Sue) Graphenteen in Slayton, Minnesota, Ronald (Leslie) Graphenteen of Eagle, Nebraska, Debra (Doug) Wolf of Omaha, Nebraska and Randy (Ellen) Graphenteen of Hackensack, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and one more on the way; two brothers, Arnie (Jan) Graphenteen of Aurora, Colorado and Leroy (Pat) Graphenteen of Ontario, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Fred and Lore; one brother, Les (Linda) Graphenteen; one sister, Lorna (Mel) Regnier.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pipestone County Hospice as per the family.