Cliff Clemens

Cliff Clemens, age 81, of O'Neill, passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 11, 2012, at the Golden LivingCenter in O'Neill. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at Biglin's Mortuary. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with Steve Randolph of Faith Community Church in O'Neill officiating. Music was provided by organist, Jean Hoffman and soloist, Willie Rowse. Pallbearers were Butch Nielson, Arlin Rowse, Mike Verhey, Chad Mazanec, Brian Rowse, and Bill Pribil. Military graveside rites were held at 2 p.m. at the Chambers Cemetery conducted by the Chambers American Legion Post 320. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements. Cliff was born Oct. 10, 1930, at Amelia to Levi and Vida (Soderstein) Clemens. He grew up in the Amelia area and received his high school diploma from Chambers. He served in the Marines during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. Cliff was involved in the atomic testing in Nevada. He married Ruth Ann Porter, June 2, 1955, in Pickstown, SD. He farmed in the Amelia area, worked for Werner Construction burying underground telephone cables and operated the Village Cafe in Chambers. Cliff liked to refinish furniture and enjoyed animals. He was a life member of the VFW and Chambers American Legion. Cliff is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Clemens of O'Neill; four sons: James Young of O'Neill, Dick Clemens and wife, Debbie of Hesperia, CA, Todd Clemens of O'Neill, and Michael Clemens and wife, Amy of Verdigre; two daughters, Sherry Mazanec of Ashton and Tammy Verhey and husband, Mike of Fargo, ND; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Ruth Pribil and Joan Martin, both of O'Neill. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and two sisters. Memorials may be directed to the Holt County Humane Society in O'Neill.