Clyde Lee Menning, age 78, of Luverne, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center.
A visitation will be Saturday, January 20, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Luverne with a funeral service to begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To view Clyde’s life history, watch his life tribute video, or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Clyde Lee Menning was born on May 23, 1945, to John and Cornelia Menning in Edgerton, Minnesota. He was baptized in his infancy at First Reformed Church in Edgerton and attended Edgerton Public School. He graduated in 1964 and moved on to the Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska for a year, then moved to Luverne, Minnesota in 1965.
That was also the year he married the love of his life, Virginia Lunstra at the Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek, Minnesota. The couple started their family, that would eventually grow to include three children, in Luverne. Clyde worked for the City of Luverne in the Water and Sewer Department until January 1967, when he accepted a position on the Luverne Police Department. This began a lifelong career as a public servant serving in many capacities in Luverne. Clyde had a true passion for helping people, and this showed in how well he cared for people through his work. He served as a police officer, deputy, investigator, and fireman until his retirement in 2002. He also helped for over fifty years on the Crawford farm with his in-law, Rollie Crawford. Following retirement, Clyde treated his wife, Ginny, to many trips all over the country searching out and purchasing toy tractors and rare coins.
On January 11, 2024, Clyde passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family while at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 78 years, 7 months, and 19 days. His family was proud to help him become a donor through the Lion’s Eye Bank in Sioux Falls, continuing to bless his fellow neighbors even in his death.
Clyde loved to spend his time fishing. He and Ginny were rarely without a fishing rod while traveling, even on the most spur of the moment trips. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne, where he actively served on the Church Finance Board, the Building Committee, and several other committees for the church. He had perfect attendance at Sunday School. Clyde was one of three founding members of the Pheasants Forever for Rock County and served on the local and national board for many years. He also served on the board of Forever Ducks Unlimited, with the Luverne Fire Department, and the Luverne and Beaver Creek Jaycees. Clyde had a very strong dedication to his career, but could often be found sitting by the bonfire, or tinkering with his toy tractors or things in his shed. He will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones.
Left to cherish Clyde’s memory are his wife of almost 60 years, Ginny Menning of Luverne; children, Teresa (Paul) Arends of Luverne, Jonathon (Erika) Menning of Luverne, and daughter-in-law Cindy Menning of Flandreau, South Dakota; grandchildren, Peyton, Colton, Deven, Myika, Jana, Tricia, Tatem, Toby, Tyler, Hailey, Andrew, and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Knox, Morgan, Logan, Regan, Theo, Leelah, Skylar, Tanner, Kadin, Darrin, Tristen, Kyler, Bentley, Grace, and Kayla; siblings Merlin Menning of Pipestone, and Tom (Joan) Menning of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cornelia Menning; son, Tim Menning; and numerous aunts, uncles, and in-laws.
Blessed by his memory.