Clarence Shaleen

Funeral Services for Clarence Shaleen, age 92, of Ortonville, MN, will be on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 2:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Pastor John Ragan will officiate, Tammy Ragan will be the organist, and casket bearers will be Mike Swenson, Tim Swenson, Jason Swenson, John Merritt, and Brian Merritt. Honorary bearers will be Craig Swenson, Roger Anderson, and Tracy Shaleen. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery.

Clarence Helmer Shaleen was born on March 21, 1920, to John and Mary (Wellhausen) Shaleen in rural Ortonville. Clarence attended country school and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1938. He enlisted in the US Navy in February of 1945, achieved the rank of 1st Seaman, and was honorably discharged in June of 1946. Upon discharge, he worked for Kaufman farms in Appleton, raising peacocks. Clarence then returned to Ortonville and was employed by the City, where he was a laborer, handyman, and worked in the tree dump for many years. He lived in his home until 2004, at which time he moved to Northridge Residence.

Clarence was a member of the American Legion. In his free time, Clarence enjoyed woodworking and feeding the wildlife that lived near his home. He also raised chickens and eggs. Clarence liked to drive around Ortonville watching the changes in his community. He was an involved and favorite uncle. While living at Northridge, his eyes brightened when babies or dogs were visiting.

Clarence passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013, at Northridge residence, having reached the age of 92 years.

Clarence is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters: Martha Ducker, Minnie Merritt, Dorothy Swenson; and his brothers: William, Melvin, and John.