Clarence R. Brekke

Clarence Raymond Brekke was born on December 26, 1918 to Severt and Cecelia Haugen Brekke in rural Hartland. He was a lifelong resident of Freeborn County. Clarence served in the Army for a short time prior to WWII. He came home from the service and began farming. Clarence married Opal Hanson on April 5, 1944 at the First Lutheran parsonage in Albert Lea, MN. The couple lived and farmed on the same farm that Clarence was born on. He loved farming and continued to help after his retirement. Clarence was a lifelong member of Cross of Glory Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and other committees through the years. He enjoyed being outside working on the farm. Clarence loved family meals and visiting with family and friends. He didn't teach us how to live; he showed us how to live. Clarence will be greatly missed. Survivors include his children Bonnie Gerry Guttormson of Wyoming, MI, Robert Chris Brekke of North Mankato, MN, Michael Robin Brekke of Hartland, MN, and Linda Brekke of Owatonna, MN; grandchildren, Eric Jill Guttormson, Keith Sara Guttormson, Aaron Michelle Guttormson, Emily Brekke John Honetschlager, Melinda Brekke Brian Wells, Mitch Brekke and Jenna Brekke; great-grandchildren, Lea and Claire Guttormson, Evan and Anna Guttormson, Luke, Lance and Isaac Guttormson, and Lexi Honetschlager; sisters-in-law, Arline Hanson and Alpha Brekke, many nieces, nephews and friends. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Opal; his parents; brothers, Melvin Jeanette Brekke, Ivan Nora Brekke, and Sam Brekke; sisters, Nanny Nels Erlandson, Margret Chester Ness, Julia Ray Nelson, and Ina Wilfred Olson; sisters-in-law, Myrtle and husband Helmer Troe, Marvel and husband Claude Perkins, Judith Wick; brothers-in-law, Harlan and LuVerne Hanson. Memorials are preferred to the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church.