Clarence Dietz, 86, died on Friday, December 31, 2010 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Brainerd, MN.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 7, 2011 at Johnson Funeral service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P. M. on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer service on Thursday evening and also one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Clarence Adolf Hugo Dietz was born on February 19, 1924 in Wabasso, MN to Herman and Lillian (Kolander) Dietz. He lived on the family farm in rural Vesta, MN until 1936 when his family moved to Thief River Falls, MN.

He was united in marriage to Carrie Arneberg on October 26, 1945 and made their home in Thief River Falls. Clarence worked for Bores Garage, drove taxi for Dietz Taxi Service, a business his father started. He then went to work for the Pennington County Highway Department and retired in 1983. He continued to work during the summer months for them and a few summer seasons for Thygeson Construction up until he was 78 years old. He and Carrie moved onto a farm in1966 just north of Thief River Falls. He raised cattle for a number of years along with other numerous animals his daughter just had to have.

Clarence enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed visiting with the many people he got to know over the years when he was a blade and snow plow operator and always took time out of his day to have a cup of coffee with them. He also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, listening to polka music, and taking care of Mindy, the dog and a pair of outspoken geese while his daughter was at work.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie, daughter, Debra Dietz and her husband Larry Goulet of Thief River Falls, MN; son, Richard (Giesela) Dietz of Hereford, AZ; grandsons, Michael Dietz of Tucson, AZ and Brian Dietz of Hereford, AZ; two great grandchildren, Maeve and Katana Dietz of Tucson, AZ; one sister, Sylvia Anderson of Moorhead, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Paul, Harold, Ray and Lawrence Dietz; two sisters, Elta Larson and Bernice Franck; and niece, Janice Dietz.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com