Clarence Edward Hargesheimer was born on Nov. 9, 1933, to Edward and Velva (Sherbonda) Hargesheimer in Vonley, Iowa, and peacefully passed away 90 years later on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at the Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne, Minnesota.
His journey began in rural Iowa, later moving to Luverne where he completed his education at Luverne High School, graduating with the class of 1952. He proudly then served in the United States Army from January 1954 to January 1956, during the closing days of the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Clarence contributed his skills as a masonry block layer with Maxwell Construction.
On Sept. 23, 1960, Clarence was united in marriage to Henrietta Haan. Together they raised three children. In 1974 the couple took on the role of custodians at the Luverne Public Schools, dedicating 22 years to the well-being of staff and students until Clarence’s well-earned retirement on May 2, 1996.
A devoted and loving family man, Clarence found immense joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He whole-heartedly cheered them on in all of their different interests and activities. Apart from his family, he found comfort in fishing, hunting, wood-carving and treasured time with friends.
As a man of faith, Clarence was a devoted member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. He joined and declared his faith at the age of 66 years.
Clarence peacefully passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at the Luverne Hospice Cottage.
Clarence’s legacy lives on through his surviving children, Crystal (Kevin) Ailts of Luverne, Bruce (Michelle) Hargesheimer of Bloomington, Minnesota, and Robert (Leslie) Hargesheimer of Lakeville, Minnesota; grandchildren Sarah (Christopher) Nuffer, Katie (Matthew) Van Grootheest, Nicole Hargesheimer and Alicia Hargesheimer; great-grandchildren Afton, Aubrey and Axel Nuffer, and Kallista and Huntley Van Grootheest; sister-in-law Francis (Albert) Haak; and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta, on August 10, 2015; parents; grandson, Rinko Hargesheimer; and two sisters, Ruth Shogren-Fienhage and Zella Dobson-Hensel.
His memory will be cherished and his spirit will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him dearly.
Funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the Luverne Christian Reformed Church. Burial with military honors followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.