Clarence Edwin Gravdahl

Clarence E. Gravdahl, 94 of Warwick, ND, formerly of Fremont, California, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND. A Memorial Service for Clarence will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. David Nichols officiating. Music will be provided by Kelly Lund, soloist and Roger Forde, pianist. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont, California with Rev. Moses Penumaka officiating. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Irvington Memorial Cemetery in Fremont. Serving as Honorary Casket Bearers will be Arvid Gravdahl, Jerry Gravdahl, Duane Stubson, Russell Coenen, Paul Jia and all of Clarence’s nieces and nephews. Active Casket Bearers will be Eric Gravdahl, Ryan Gravdahl, Alex Gravdahl, Timothy Gravdahl, Richard Gravdahl and Edward Gordon. Clarence Edwin Gravdahl was born on the family farm, rural Pequot Lakes, Minnesota on August 22, 1913, the sixth of eight children born to Emil O. and Pernelle (Kirketieg) Gravdahl. He was reared and educated in the Pequot Lakes area and graduated from Pine River High School in 1931. As a young man, he was given the nickname “Ching”. Clarence attended Humboldt Business College in Brainerd, Minnesota and received his teaching certificate. He then taught at Humboldt for some time and later taught at several one-room schools in rural Minnesota. Clarence was united in marriage to Marlys Garrett on October 15, 1938 in Pequot Lakes. They moved to Richmond, California in 1943 to work in the shipyards. Clarence later began employment with Trailmobile Manufacturing in Berkeley, California where he soon became a foreman. When Trailmobile moved to Fremont in 1961, Clarence and Marlys relocated there and he continued to make this his home for the next 46 years. He retired in 1975. Marlys, who was known affectionately by her family as “Auntie Me”, passed away on March 17, 1993. They were charter members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont. Clarence was a man of many talents who could fix anything that needed repair, and he remained very active all his life. He was very devoted to his family, taking special interest in his grand and great-grandchildren. He was also an avid Oakland A’s fan. He also enjoyed playing “Cribbage” and working in his yard, and tending his tomatoes and orchids. He was also proud of his Norwegian heritage and very grateful to have been able to visit his ancestral home and his family in Norway. But above all, Clarence put his trust in God, and the legacy of faith, love and kindness was a part of him that will always be remembered and held dearly in the hearts and memories of his family and friends. After 65 years in California, Clarence had just recently moved to Warwick, ND to live with his son and daughter-in-law and was eager to start this new chapter in his life. He was also looking forward to being with family, friends and neighbors here, including the Jia Family, who recently “adopted” him and affectionately called him “GG”. Clarence will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving family: Sons: John Gravdahl and his wife Kay of Warwick, ND Robert Gravdahl and his wife Nancy of Modesto, California Grandchildren: Amy Newby, Eric (Chrissy) Gravdahl, Kelly (John) Snavely, Ryan Gravdahl, Alex Gravdahl, Kimberly Gravdahl and Timothy Gravdahl Great-Grandchildren: Mikena and Karlee Newby; Jesse and Jodi Gravdahl; Natalie Gravdahl, Jenson, Rachel and Emma Snavely; Brother: Arvid Gravdahl of Pequot Lakes Brother-In-Law: Edward Gordon, Volcano, California Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlys; grandson, Bradly Gravdahl; great granddaughter, Camryn Newby; brothers, Oscar, Alfred, Otto and Conrad Gravdahl and sisters, Clara Jones and Ella Robideaux.