Lyle James Clemenson

 Passed away in his sleep on January 31, 2021. By his side was his wife of 65 years, Darlene, who survives him. Lyle is also survived by his children, Sabrina (John) Ryan; Rene Krieger; Danny (Mary) Clemenson; grandchildren Thomas (Ari) Ryan; Julia Krieger (Evan Vanderveer); Anna Krieger; Carl Clemenson; Nicholas Clemenson, and Nathan Clemenson; great grandchildren Asher Ryan and Callum Ryan. Lyle is also survived by his younger sister Jane (Lloyd) DeBruycker of Dutton, Montana as well as many relatives and friends. Lyle’s parents, Carl and Clara Clemenson preceded him in death as did his older sister Olive Brandt and brothers Clary, Milan, and Lavern Clemenson and granddaughter Christina Ryan. Lyle was born in Gonvick, Minnesota and raised on his parent’s farm in Berner, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in Crookston, Minnesota and later secured his college degree from Virginia Junior College while working full-time for the Erie Mining Company. While in high school, he met his future wife Darlene, who attended high school in the nearby town of Clearbrook, Minnesota and they began their married life together on October 8, 1955. Lyle was a fiercely independent (stubborn?!) Norwegian who, with his wife Darlene by his side supporting his many ventures and adventures, was a self-employed small business owner primarily in construction. Lyle was also an inventor holding many patents for tools and equipment used in the construction business and traveled to faraway places such as China and Qatar seeking manufacturing opportunities for his inventions. Lyle and Darlene raised three children who were all born in Virginia, Minnesota. In 1964 the family moved to North Minneapolis and then Golden Valley; eventually settling in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Through the years, Lyle was involved in locals politics, was a self-published author, taught job interviewing skills through the Osseo School District and was an active member of the local Lutheran Church, most recently Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota. Lyle and Darlene took time for each other as well; they read the Bible together daily, and enjoyed annual skiing trips to Colorado and California. Lyle was also a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying to construction job sites including those in Northern Minnesota. On one occasion years ago, he coaxed his mother Clara to fly with him to visit her son Milan and his family in Gonvick. Clara had previously refused to fly with him in the one engine Cessna, but the idea of visiting her favorite son as well as being a stubborn Norwegian who would never admit to a fear of flying, she went along for the ride. Just before takeoff, Lyle handed her a paper (barf) bag which she reluctantly kept in her lap. Upon successfully landing, Grandma Clara immediately shoved it back at Lyle proclaiming, “I didn’t even need it!”
Until last year, Lyle never fully retired and was seldom tired! He always had some project in a state of readiness and often enlisted Darlene to hold a ladder or ride along on a trip to Menards. A recent improvement project at Emmanuel Lutheran Church was right up his alley: updating the sound system so all parishioners could participate fully in the weekly service. Lyle was one of those parishioners due to a significant hearing loss suffered in early childhood after a bout of pneumonia. This deficit grew greater as the years unfolded due to inferior protections in the construction industry. As he aged, his ability to hear declined to an even greater degree. His disability, however, never allowed for a negative outlook on life. As Darlene remarked, “He never let it get him down or slow him down.”
As the years advanced, Lyle was grateful for the time on earth he was allowed by the grace of God, and had no fear as he bravely faced the diagnosis of terminal lung cancer. Knowing he would not have long to live, Lyle pointed skyward and said, “I’m ready to go Home.” Rest in Peace. Now you are Home.
In honor of Lyle’s wishes, he will be buried in Gonvick. A Burial Service is planned for late summer.
The family requests memorials in Lyle’s memory be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Youth.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1506 Main St. NW, Elk River, MN 55330

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