Clayton Ihlen

CLAYTON CLEO IHLEN was born on April 26, 1931 to Elmer and Sophie (Haugen) Ihlen in Ihlen, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm near Ihlen. He attended District #49 country school east of Ihlen and then Pipestone High School, graduating with the class of 1949. He was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Ihlen where he worked for Pierce Implement in Pipestone along with farming. On May 12, 1956, Clayton was united in marriage to Gladys Willems at First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. They made their home in Pipestone until moving to a farm north of Ihlen. To their union, five kids were born. Clayton served as Pipestone County Commissioner for 22 years. Clayton also continued farming until his retirement. He died at his home on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the age of 85 years, one month, and five days.

Clayton was a member of First Lutheran Church in Pipestone, where he served as a deacon and on various committees. He was a member of the Michael Boock Pipestone American Legion Post, #6. Clayton enjoyed playing cards, fishing with friends, watching horse racing, and most importantly, spending time with his family.

Clayton is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Gladys of Jasper; his children, Charles (Emily) Ihlen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Christie (Jeffrey) Christina of Burnsville, Minnesota, Mary Ihlen of Eagan, Minnesota, Thomas (Dee) Ihlen of Crosby, Minnesota, and Amy (Karin Tellekson) Ihlen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sarah (John) Roemer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Andrew Christina of Santa Monica, California, Jacob Christina of Burnsville, Cody (Kenzy) Ihlen of Trosky, Minnesota and Abby Jo (Luis) Palacios, Pipestone. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Helen Bangs.