Clarence Knudson, 100, of Sibley, formerly of Harris, died Monday Sept. 1, 1997, at the Osceola Community Hospital. Funeral services were at the United Methodist church in Harris with Rev. Christbpher Ebbers officiating. Burial was at the Fairville Cemetery in Fairville. Walton, Roste & Vogel Funeral Home of Sibley was in charge of arrangements.
Clarerice Ervin Knudson was born March 19, 1897, at Cylinder, the son of Christian and Jennie (Jacobson) Knudson. Clarence grew up on the family farm and attended country school. As a young man he and his family moved to Fergus Falls, Minn, where he met Halla Dalluge. Later they were married at Good Thunder, Minn, and to this union were born three children.
In August of 1952, Clarence's first wife, Halla, died. On April 2, 1954, Clarence had found love again and was united in marriage to Jean Jones in Fairville. Following their marriage they lived near Fenton, and farmed there for several years before moving to California to work on a chicken farm. Later Clarence and Jean moved back to Iowa near the Storm Lake area to farm.
In 1963, Clarence and Jean settled in Harris and continued to farm. Along with farming, he worked at the local elevator and also was the custodian at the United Methodist Church in Harris from 1963 until 1988. To this second marriage Clarence and Jean bore four boys. He was a life-long farmer and he enjoyed working the land. He also enjoyed playing cards, watching baseball, and spending time with his family.
Clarence was a resident of the Sibley Care Center for three years.
Surviving is his wife, Jean Knudson of Harris; three children from his first marriage, Jordan Knudson and his wife Mabel of Spirit Lake, Marcella Jellema of Odessa, Minn., Yvonne Hanson of Greelly, Calif.; four boys from his second marriage, Allen of Harris, Chris of Round Lake, Minn., Gail of Sibley and Mark Knudson and his wife Karla of Sibley.
Also surviving are twenty three grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren and twenty great great grandchildren; three sister, Charolette Atkinson, Eunice Connel and Idda Lummer.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his first; wife, Halla, one daughter, four brothers and four sisters.