Clarence Eugene Hietala

Clarence Eugene Hietala, 68, of East Grand Forks, MN, formerly of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on May 18, 2016, at Valley Eldercare Center TCU in Grand Forks. Clarence was born April 8, 1948, in Wadena, MN, the son of Walfred & Ruby (Johnson) Hietala.  He grew up in Sebeka, MN where he graduated from Sebeka High School in 1966.  He joined the US Navy in 1966. He married Jerilyn Anderson July 25, 1967 in Jacksonville, FL where he was stationed.   In 1970 he was honorably discharged from service. He and Jeri moved to Grand Forks where they made their home for many years before moving to rural Fisher, MN and recently residing in East Grand Forks, MN.  He worked as a technician for NW Bell/AT&T/Lucent/Avaya for 35 years before retiring in 2005.  He was a 9 year board member of the GF Telco Credit Union and board Treasurer and Chair President for several of those years.  He also worked as a technician for Life Alert, a Medical/Fire/Burglar Alarm Company.  During his retirement he started a communications business Hietala Tech. Clarence was a diligent provider, trustworthy, steadfast and hardworking. He loved being outdoors, working in his shop and spending time with family & friends. He is survived by his wife, Jeri; son, Todd (Julie) Hietala of Bemidji, MN; daughter, Tracy (Scott) LeDuc of Grand Forks; brothers, Sidney (Donna) of Neosho, MO, Arnold, Harvey (Esther), Marvin (Cindy) Hietala all of Grand Rapids, MN, Ronald (Jan) of Falls Church, VA; sisters, Edith (Jerry) Siegel of Sebeka, MN, Viola (Roy) Barten of Park Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Matthew, Mackenzie, Macy, Bryce, Brady, Wyatt and Cole along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.   FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. , Monday, May 23, at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church 1616 S 17th St. in Grand Forks. VISITATION: Visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. INTERMENT: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. A guestbook may be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com