Clarence Slaathaug

Clarence L. Slaathaug, 75, Grand Forks, ND died on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at home after a long battle with cancer. Clarence LeRoy Slaathaug was born November 14, 1932 at New England, ND to Merlin Oliver and Albina H. (Pulkrabek) Slaathaug of Amidon, ND. He attended schools at Connor Township #1, Slope County, ND, Amidon, ND and Belfield, ND. He married Ruth E. Pierce on April 28, 1956 at Indianapolis, IN, divorced 1975. He married Mardene I. (Sandberg) Sorlien on March 31, 1979 at Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Grand Forks. Clarence enlisted in the US Army, January 22, 1952, retired April 28, 1972 as MSG E8. He served in Hawaii, Japan, Korea (1952-1953 & 1964-1965), Alaska and Vietnam(1969-1970). He received the following awards and decorations: Combat Infantryman's Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Good Conduct Medal (five awards), Korean and Vietnam Service Medals. After retiring from Military Service he farmed at Karlstad, MN and worked at the Karlstad Elevator until 1977 when he moved to Grand Forks where he worked two winters at the FARMSCO Elevator in East Grand Forks then at the Grand Forks AFB as a winter overhire for 15 years during which time he continued to farm at Karlstad. He raised cattle, sheep and hay at Grand Forks. He was a member of Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Grand Forks, VFW East Grand Forks, MN, American Legion Karlstad, MN for over 20 years and currently American Legion Thompson, ND. He is survived by his wife, Mardene Slaathaug, Grand Forks, sons Col. (US Army Reserves) Ronald A. (Mary Jo) Slaathaug, Thompson, ND, Paul D. (Caela) Slaathaug, Fargo, ND, daughters Pollianne (Steve) Rowland, Arlington Heights, IL, Julianne (Reed) Sheeks, Fortville, IN; Grandchildren: Kenneth (Jaimee) Slaathaug, New Town, ND, Lynn Slaathaug (fiancé Charlie Moen), Grand Forks, ND, Kyle Slaathaug (US Army-Fort Drum, NY), Laura Slaathaug, Thompson, ND, Emily Nixon and Kristina (Matt) O'Connor, both of Indianapolis, IN, Andrew and Jayna Rowland, Arlington Heights, IL; brother, Merlin Slaathaug, Karlstad, MN; sisters Darlene Verry, Belle Fourche, SD and Angela Currier, Anchorage, Alaska; Uncle & Aunt Vernon (Velma) Slaathaug, Summit, SD, Aunts Lafern Pulkrabek, Bowman, ND, Jesse Hubble, Nampa, ID, Great Uncle DuWayne (Donna) Slaathaug, Fort Pierre, SD; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lloyd and Glenn Slaathaug.