Clayton J. Pokrzywinski

Clayton J. Pokrzywinski, age 89 of Grand Forks, ND and formerly of Lankin, ND passed away on August 7, 2025 at Valley Senior Living, with his daughter by his side.

Clayton Pokrzywinski was born April 23, 1936 in Oslo, MN, the son of the late Walter and Mamie (Witkowski) Pokrzywinski. Clayton was raised and attended school in Oslo. After his education he began working. He united in marriage to Janet Knutson on September 4, 1954. They made their home in Grand Forks and Brocket, before settling in Lankin. Clayton was the elevator manager at the Lankin Farmers Grain Co. for 46 years; he ran the elevator with his wife Janet and brother Walter. He was a past member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, ND Grain Dealers Association, Citizen’s State Bank Board Member, and St. Ansgar Hospital Board Member. Clayton and Janet were married 47 years before her passing on July 11, 2001.

Clayton married Lillian (Perkerewicz) Borowicz Roland on September 25, 2004. They enjoyed traveling together going places such as Mexico, Poland, and Europe. They loved dancing, casino trips, and BINGO. Clayton and Lillian loved company and cherished their time with family and friends, often times over a game of Rummy or cards. He was a current member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Clayton is survived by his wife Lillian; his children: Jim (Melanie) Pokrzywinski, Lankin, ND, Jodi (David) Beneda, Adams, ND, Jeff (Roxanne) Pokrzywinski, Bismarck, ND; step-children: James (Virginia) Borowicz, Hot Springs, AR, Theresa (Greg) Nolte, Fargo, ND, Louise (Roger) Clark, Woodbury, MN, Carol (Randy) Brintnell, Baudette, MN, Betty (Kevin) Halverson, Lee’s Summit, MO, Margaret (Mike) Mach, Grand Forks, ND, Jeannie Carriere, Greenfield, MN, and Wayne (Sherri) Borowicz, Baxter, MN; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janet, and brothers Walter and Clifford. Clayton was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 14. 2025 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church of Grand Forks. Friends may call an hour prior to the service at the church. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 5-6:45pm, with rosary service at 6:45pm, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, PO Box 102, Lankin, ND 58250.

Clayton's service will be livestreamed on the Holy Family Catholic Church Facebook page.