Clarence A. Blessum

Clarence A. Blessum, age 88, resident of Lakota, ND, formerly of Wolford, ND, died Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota.

Clarence Allen Blessum was born November 5, 1931 in Clearbrook, MN, the son of Harold and Ruth (Dunham) Blessum.  When he was young the family moved to a farmstead near Nanson, ND.   He attended rural school and operated the farm following the death of his father when Clarence was 12 years of age.  Clarence married Shirley Horswill on November 21, 1955.  They farmed until 1959 when they moved to Minneapolis, MN.  The family moved back to the Wolford area in 1967.  Clarence worked for area farmers and was the janitor at the Wolford School.  He then began working for Johnson Plumbing of Rolette.  He was most proud when he passed the test to become a Journeyman Plumber.  Clarence later became a handyman in the Wolford area.  His greatest joy in life was his church and his involvement with 4-H for over 30 years.  In December of 1996 he moved to the Good Samaritan Home in Lakota, where he was affectionately known as the puzzle man.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Good Samaritan Society Lakota for all their kindness, generosity, and caring for Clarence all these years.

Clarence is survived by 2 sons, Harold Blessum of Rolette, ND Mike (Margo) Blessum of Petersburg, ND; 2 daughters, Julie Blessum (Leland Fosness) of Tolna, ND and Jan Kruk of Bottineau, ND;  7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Douglas of Circle Pines, MN; step-brother, Dwayne Gamble of Agate, ND; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-dad, Wilbur Gamble; wife, Shirley; brother, Ralph Blessum; step-brother, Wilbur Gamble; step-sister, Helen Weber; and brother-in-law, Frank Douglas.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Officiating will be the Reverend Val Teppo.  Interment will be at the Island Lake Cemetery, rural Wolford, ND.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

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