The Reverend Clifford Kalmoe, 86, died Sunday, May 23, 2004 at Northwest Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Clifford Leroy Kalmoe was born to Emma (Hilden) and Hjalmar Kalmoe on June 19, 1917 in Milan, MN. He was a graduate of Montevideo High School, St. Olaf College and Luther Seminary.

While attending Luther Seminary, Cliff met his wife of 56 years, Evelyn Petersen. Together they served Lutheran parishes in Bigfork and Badger, MN and Mott, ND. Rev. Kalmoe temporarily retired from the ministry due to health reasons. After living for 8 years in Muskegon, MI they again served parishes in Edgerton and Cross Plains, WI; Newfolden, Comstock, and Thief River Falls, MN.

Rev. Kalmoe had a great sense of humor, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to and telling jokes, especially about Lutherans and Norwegians. He loved talking with people, no matter what they wore, their background, social status, nationality, or color of skin. He'd strike up conversations with anyone, anywhere. Cliff watched the news and could converse about any political topic, usually siding with Democrats. Cliff lovingly cared for his wife in their home for nearly 12 years following her stroke, and even following his first stroke at age 80. He brought joy to those around him and to those who cared for him. Most importantly, he was a Christian who lived his faith.

Clifford L. Kalmoe is survived by his three children: Karen Fischer and her husband Nicholas of Centreville, VA, Judy Larson of Eagan, MN and her husband, Marvin of Frazee, MN, and David Kalmoe of Appleton, WI; seven grandchildren: Tracy Larson of St. Paul, MN, Kristin LaFreniere of Frazee, MN, Kathy Bartels of Sartel, MN, Annika Fischer of Wilmington, DE, Nathan Kalmoe of Appleton, WI; Kimberly Kallberg of Eagan, MN, and Kari Fischer of Centreville, VA; 12 great grandchildren; his siblings and their spouses: Wilfred and Mavis Kalmoe of Becker, MN, Adelaine and James Lageson of Boynton Beach, FL, Audrey Kalmoe of Apple Valley, MN, and sister-in-law Betty Petersen of Sunnyvale, CA; and 12 nieces and nephews.

Clifford Kalmoe was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, his brother, Irvin Kalmoe, and his parents, Emma and Hjalmar Kalmoe.

The family gratefully thanks the wonderful caregivers at Oakland Park Nursing Home, CNC, Valley Home, and Marilyn Mosbeck who cared for both Cliff and Evie in their home, and for Cliff when in Thief River following Evie's death.

The family requests that memorials be given to Zion Lutheran Radio and Television Ministry, 505 Main Ave. North, Thief River Falls, MN 56701, in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements with Johnson-Green Funeral Home, Inc., Thief River Falls, MN, 218-681-4331. www.johnsonfuneralservice.net Email: greenfuneral@mncable.net