Clarence Mikkelsen

Clarence Mikkelsen, 87, Bethany Homes, Fargo, ND, died on March 27, 2004 in the nursing home.Clarence Mikkelsen was born December 26, 1916 in the township of Glyndon, Clay County, MN, to William and Katherine Krabbenhoft Mikkelsen. He was a graduate of Glyndon High School.He married Irene Safgren of Moorhead, on November 9, 1940, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN. They farmed near Glyndon, MN, where Clarence became involved in growing potatoes and was recognized as one of the larger growers in Clay County. He continued farming through 1963, when he started the Mikkelsen Insurance Agency in Moorhead, where he worked until 1997. He was always interested in the welfare and education of children and served as a member of local, regional and state school boards for over 33 years. Because of his dedication, the Athletic Field in Glyndon bears his name.Clarence was baptized, confirmed and a life time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sabin, MN, where he served for many years on the church board.In 1963 Clarence built the strip shopping mall on Highway 10 in Glyndon and also owned and operated the Tastee Freeze for many years. Clarence was actively involved in many organizations including the Glyndon Athletic Club and the Rod and Gun Club.He is survived by his wife Irene and three children. Gary Marlys, Fargo, ND; Trish, Chandler, AZ, and Tom, Minneapolis, MN; thirteen grandchildren and a sister, Ruth Mikkelsen, Moorhead, MN.He was preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters and his son Mike.