Clarence Vatthauer, 80, died Friday, March 18, 2005 at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Clarence Henry Vatthauer was born May 21, 1924 in Red Lake Falls, MN the son of Henry and Laura (Hagl) Vatthauer. He was active in the Presbyterian Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He grew up and then graduated from high school in Red Lake Falls in 1942. Clarence married Fern Johnson on October 2, 1949 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McIntosh, MN.

Clarence and Fern established a home south of Red Lake Falls on a farm. To this union five children were born, Calvin (Cindy) Vatthauer, Julie (Terry) Ford, Ellen Marie (Loren)Luthi, David Vatthauer and William (Janell) Vatthauer; grandchildren are Tera, Missy, Aaron, Abby, Molly, Brooke and Travis; great grandchildren are Mckenzie Lee and Mckayla Rose; brothers are Ernie (Theresa), Dean and Don (Kathy); and sisters, Frieda Twete and Irene Rafferty; and several nieces and nephews.

When Clarence passed away at age 80 he had long been gone from the public stage, but that meant that people remembered him as he had always been. He believed in himself and others, was admired and respected by all who knew him and seemed untouched by arrogance. He had a lifelong belief in the goodness of people. Clarence was likeable in his own way and never gave up on anything.

His Christian faith was evident throughout his life. Clarence had an active role in the life of the church where he served as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church and attended for many years the mens breakfast and Bible study at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Clarence was very active in the community where he was a fireman and volunteer ambulance person for 10 years, a school bus driver for 18 years, member of the Red Lake Falls Saddle Club, member of the Red Lake Township board for 21 years and member of the Minnesota Wheat Growers Board in which he helped bring the Wheat Growers headquarters to Red Lake Falls. Clarence and Fern were chosen the first Ag couple of Red Lake Falls and in 1994 he was appointed outstanding senior citizen in Red Lake County. He gave an acre of land for a swimming pool in Red Lake Falls in honor of his granddaughter, Tera (Ford) Schechinger.

He took a lot of pride in his driving where he was always happy behind the wheel. Clarence made many friends through the years. There were not many places he went that he did not run into someone he knew. Clarence cherished his wife, family, and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Clarence leaves a legacy of love and testimony of his great faith. May his memory be blessed and glory given to God for his presence among us.