Lillian M. Clemens

Lillian M. Clemens, age 92 of Adams, ND passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. Lillian M. Berntson was born September 16, 1922 in Silvesta Township of Walsh County, the daughter of the late George R. and Bertha A. (Aune) Berntson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Hitterdahl Lutheran Church, rural Adams. She graduated from Fairdale High School in 1940 and received her Standard Teaching Certificate from Mayville State Teachers College in 1942. Lillian taught rural schools in Minnewaukan, Conway and Fairdale, North Dakota. She married Arnold Clemens on December 18, 1943 at the Hitterdahl Lutheran Church. The couple lived and farmed near Fairdale until retiring in 1979. The couple moved into Adams in 1980. Arnold passed away April 19, 2004 and Lillian continued to make her home in Adams until her death. She was a member of the Mountain Lutheran Church and WELCA of Adams, a former member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church and ALCW of Fairdale. The couple traveled every July for 30 years to the 96th Infantry Division (Deadeye) reunions all over the country. She was an avid quilter and enjoyed making quilts for and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also an avid Minnesota Twins fan. Lillian is survived by her children: David (Jody) Clemens, West Fargo, ND; Lou Ann (Terry) Thorvilson, Fairdale, ND; Roger (Paula) Clemens, Medora, ND; Jacquelyn (Jerry) Lindsay, Crookston, MN; Marilyn (Richard) Wentzel, Fisher, MN; 20 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and siblings: Rev. Gordon Berntson, Fargo, ND; Malvina (Curtis) Moe, Fargo, ND; Luther (Helen) Berntson, Steam Boat Springs, CO; Carol Haugen, Fargo, ND; Bernard (Cathy) Berntson, Muskegan, MI; sister-in-law, Phyllis Berntson, Zombrota, MN. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter, sister, Bergine Westby, brother, Rev. Rudolph Berntson and grandson, Luke Thorvilson. Funeral services will be Monday, October 20, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at the Mountain Lutheran Church of Adams, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-6 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Silvesta Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fairdale.