Clarence Thomas McKenzie (Clem), passed away on May 15th, 2022 at the age of 89.

Clarence was born on the Berg Farm in Osceola, WI on November 3rd, 1932.

The family then moved from Osceola to Hayward, WI and then to a farm by Deer Lake. He attended Deer Lake Grade School and graduated from Balsam Lake High School in 1953. After high school he enlisted in the Army, and was in the infantry division stationed on an Air Force Base in England during the Korean War. He served from 1953 until 1961 when he was Honorably Discharged. In 1958 he married the love of his life, June Ann Getschel of Osceola, WI. They lived briefly in St. Paul and then moved to Chisago City. While living there, Clarence served on the local fire department. In 1969 the family moved to a small farm south of Almelund where he enjoyed his hobby of farming.

Clarence worked at the Ford Motor Company in St. Paul for 30 years until he retired in 1992. In their free time, Clarence and his wife were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund and the Blue Lakers Camping Group. Clarence enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle with friends and his two brothers, Leo and Francis (Fats). They would often attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. He also loved spending time on his Allis Chalmers Tractors, and taking them to the Almelund Threshing Show. In 2017 he transitioned to living at Ecumen Nursing Home because of his Parkinson’s Disease.

The family would like to thank Ecumen of North Branch and the Hospice Team for all the wonderful care he received during his stay. He is survived by his sister, Pat Parmer, children: Barb (Joe) Buus, Mark (Darla) McKenzie, Mike (Trudy) McKenzie, and Jeff (Mary) McKenzie. Grandchildren: Kari (Bob) Vaughn, Steven (Whitney) Buus, Tami (Steven) Coozennoy, Matt (Tiffany) McKenzie, Alicia (Erik) McKenzie, Alex (Yesi) McKenzie, Jake McKenzie, Luke (Kenzie) McKenzie, Garrett (Katie) McKenzie. Great Grandchildren: Griffin Vaughn, Grace Vaughn, Lucy Coozennoy. Step Grandchildren: Corey (Sarah), Cassandra (Andy), Step Great Grandchildren: Evan, Ethan, Hayden, Hadley, Railyn, and Connor.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife June McKenzie, parents Thomas and Lucy (Berg) McKenzie, brothers Lawrence McKenzie, Leo McKenzie, Francis McKenzie, and sister Mary Pfannes.

Last Update: May 18, 2022 1:34 pm CDT