Eugene 'Don" Clemetson, 87
Eugene D. ‘Don’ Clemetson, 87
Eugene D. “Don” Clemetson, 87, of Brandon, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2019 at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. His memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon, where the family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.
Eugene Donald “Don” Clemetson, son of Lawrence and Mabel (Smith) Clemetson, was born July 31, 1931 in Sioux Falls. He graduated from Washington High School in 1950.
Don entered the U.S. Navy on June 20, 1950 in Omaha, Neb. He served in the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon with four stars. He was honorably discharged on April 15, 1954 in San Diego, Calif. Don continued to serve his country with the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1955 to 1958.
Don was united in marriage with Margaret “Marge” Krahn on May 9, 1954 in Luverne, Minn. He began work at John Morrell & Co. The couple lived in the Hilltop area and were blessed with two children, Gregory and Rebecca. They moved to Brandon in 1959. Don retired in 1993 after 43 years with Morrell’s. He then worked part-time as a janitor at First National Bank.
In retirement, Don began woodcarving large busts of mountain men, Native Americans, Civil War Soldiers and others. He entered his work in art shows and earned many first place, Best of Show and People’s Choice ribbons. He also served as president of South Dakota Woodcarvers for five years.
Don and Marge loved camping and camped most of their married life until 2011. While camping they took in the high points of 27 states along with Mexico and Canada. They also enjoyed archery, bowling and golf and participated in leagues in all of them.
Don was a member of Brandon Lutheran Church for many years. He then became a member of Heritage Lutheran Church in its first year.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two children, Greg Clemetson, Brandon, and Becky (Bill) Beck, also of Brandon; grandson, Brian (Abbey) Beck, Dakota Dunes; and many other relatives and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mabel.
Please consider a donation in memory of Don to Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon.
For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.
