Kenneth Clambey

Kenneth Clambey, a lifelong resident of the Fergus Falls area, died at Park View Estates on December 21, 2011 at age 90.  The son of Peter and Linda (Zuehlsdorff) Clambey, Ken grew up on the family farm in Friberg Township. He and his sister Lucille, who preceded him in death, attended and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1938. He then began farming with his parents and subsequently on a neighboring farm purchased from his uncle Hans. On May 16, 1943 he and Margaret Holden were married at Vang Lutheran Church. In 1945 they and his parents began a larger, joint farm operation in Aurdal Township. That continued until Peter’s death in 1965. Ken and Margaret’s work with livestock and crop production later grew to include beekeeping, and he also served as the West Otter Tail County Agricultural Inspector for nine years. He farmed through his 80th year when he happily announced he had harvested one of the largest crops in his long career.  After that he continued to enjoy overseeing the farm and living amidst the natural beauty of rural Minnesota. Together with farming, he was a skilled outdoorsman, who was noted for his hunting and fishing talents. Those interests were evident on the farm where he and Margaret were recognized for their wildlife conservation efforts. Margaret passed away in early 1989, but Ken continued with the farm venture, which they had begun as a young couple and shared for more than 40 years. On June 9, 1990 he and Winifred (Ash) Degner were married at Federated Church. They were active on the farm until early 2010 when, for health reasons, they moved to Fergus Falls. As with their first spouses, they worked together as a team, and they contributed to their community, including Federated Church where Ken had served as an Elder and was the head usher for 29 years. Survivors include his wife Winifred; son Gary, his wife Susan (Smith), their sons Bryce and Eric, wife Linda, and their children Lula and Hank; daughter Kathleen, her husband Greg Truax, their sons Ryan and Brandon; Ken’s sister-in-law Lorraine Pederson; brother-in-law Chester Holden, wife Connie; and nieces and nephews. Winifred’s family welcomed Ken as a member, and survivors there include Winifred’s sisters Florence Fafrowicz and Alice, her husband Bud Gehrke, Winifred’s son Terry Degner, wife Sally, daughters Nicole, Tara, and Amber, their spouses and children, Winifred’s daughter Jean, husband Dwaine Haraldson, their children Craig, Angie, Ryan, each with their spouses and children. Memorials preferred to Federated Church in Fergus Falls. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:      11 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:       Reverend Doug Dent Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls