Dennis M. Clemenson

Dennis M. Clemenson, 72 of rural Devils Lake ND passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Sanford on Broadway Medical Center, Fargo ND.

Dennis was born on October 30, 1948 in Devils Lake ND the son of Wilbur and Edna (Hall) Clemenson.  He attended Minnie H School and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1966.  He was always a member of the school band and achieved the honor of being an Eagle Scout. 

Dennis continued his education at UND, Grand Forks pursuing a degree in electrical engineering until he was called to serve his country on November 29, 1971 as a member of the United States Navy.  He served aboard the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz as an electronics standards specialist.  He was honorably discharged on November 28, 1977 as an Electronics Technician First Class. 

Throughout high school and into his college years, Dennis worked with his uncle Cliff as a carpenter and later as a DJ with KDLR radio station.  While in college, Dennis also was the photographer for many of the yearbooks and a wedding photographer.  He also then met and later married Paulette Homelvig on February 26, 1972 at Lebanon Lutheran Church in Amidon ND.  While Dennis was in the service they lived several places including San Diego and San Francisco CA, Denver CO and Norfolk VA.  After his discharge, they established their home in Grand Forks where Dennis was the chief engineer for WDAZ television. 

In 1994, the family moved to Lakewood and as the waters of Devils Lake rose, they were forced to move to higher ground in 1999 but continued to call the Lake Region home.  Dennis retired from Otter Tail Power Company in 2014 after 20 years employment as their electronics engineer. 

Dennis and the word HAM Radio Operator are synonymous terms.  The HAM radio was his passion and it took over several rooms in the house and the yard has many towering antennas.  He was an avid reader and treasured his faithful canine companion Buster through many years.   First and foremost he was a loving husband, father and grandfather and considered time spent with family his most precious.   

Dennis was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, sang in the church choir and played at many special church services and events. He played the trumpet as a long-time member of the Devils Lake Elks Band. 

His surviving family include his wife Paulette of 48 years; children Chris (Jackie) Clemenson, Devils Lake and Andriena (Kyle) Erickson, Dayton OH; grandchildren Dylan Kise, Christal Clemenson, Courtney Ryan, Alex Erickson and Gwen Erickson; sisters Karen (Ken) Christianson, Valley City ND, Vicki Smith, Devils Lake and Laurie Clemenson (Brett Opdahl), Fargo ND; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Jeanette (Ron) Wutzke, Bismarck ND, Lynn (Cindy) Homelvig, Sheyenne ND, Lauren (Jeannette) Homelvig, Bowman ND and Lynn Homelvig, Amidon ND; also many beloved nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Harriet Homelvig and brothers-in-law Jerome and Norman Homelvig.   

Casket Bearers will be Ken Christianson, Brett Opdahl, Lynn Homelvig, Lauren Homelvig, Cory Kenner and Jon Wutzke.   

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 19^th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating.  The funeral service will be live-streamed through facebook.com/stolafdevilslake.  Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Please keep your health and safety and that of others in mind when attending services. Masks and social distancing are required at the funeral service.