Richard Clemenson

Richard “Rick” Dean Clemenson, age 78 of Siren, WI, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016. Richard was born in Inver Grove, MN, on August 20, 1938, son of Freda (Olson) and Edwin Clemenson. The family lived in various places in the Midwest as Edwin worked for the railroad. While living in Iowa, Rick met his future wife, Janice “Jan” Elizabeth Costello. They were united in marriage on October 29, 1960 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Rick and Jan lived for several years in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Rick owned and operated Rick's Petroleum Company. Rick and Jan moved to Siren, Wisconsin, where he established and managed the Mobile Home Park. He later was employed in Pine City, MN, and then in the Webster School District. In his earlier years, Rick was a very active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster, WI. He served as CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) Instructor and Facilitator for the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Program. He was a Eucharistic Minister, a Lector, a Minister for Shut Ins, and was a Jail Ministry volunteer. Rick studied for six years in the Diaconate Formation Program. He led many prayer services at St. John the Baptist Church, and also led Sunday services at Cozy Corner. He was also a Gold Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 8985, Pope John Paul II. Rick enjoyed being with his family, especially the grand kids. He found fishing to be very relaxing as well as a little competitive at family reunions. He also liked stacking wood and keeping the fires going. In his earlier days, he had earned his Private Pilot License, and greatly enjoyed the time he spent flying. After retirement, Rick traveled for a good number of years with his wife, Jan, and sister-in-law, Joyce Fargo, touring all of the states in the country, and visiting family and friends along the way. Parkinson's Disease reduced Rick's ability to do all that he enjoyed. His battle was a tough one, however, he never lost his strong faith in Our Saviour, and always prayed for family and friends. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jan; seven children: Sandi (Dave) Carroll, Lynda Clemenson, Rick (Jenna) Clemenson, Joyce (Mitchell) Turner, Michael (Tania) Clemenson, Mary (Keith) Swingle, and Thomas (Bethany) Clemenson; sixteen grandchildren: Mitch, Chris and Mike Carroll and Stephanie Van Mill; Bryson and Tessa Clemenson; Mitchell and Jake Turner; Wyatt, Olivia and Richard Clemenson; Austin, Grant and Jordann Swingle; and Gwen and Gavin Clemenson; six great-grandchildren: Mason, Makenna, Burkley, Jillian, Natalie, and Oakley; and sisters-in-law: Ruth Clemenson, Judy Clemenson, Effie Wester, Joyce Fargo, and Loretta Costello. He was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers and one sister. Relatives and friends may call between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am), Thursday, January 5, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Webster WI, with Father Michael J. Tupa presiding. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Siren. Casket bearers are: Mitch Carroll, Chris Carroll, Mike Carroll, Bryson Clemenson, Mitchell Turner, Jake Turner, Wyatt Clemenson, Austin Swingle and Grant Swingle. Honorary bearers are Gavin Clemenson and Richard Clemenson. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Regional Hospice Services are appreciated.