Clarence William Suvanto

Clarence William Suvanto, 86, died May 7, 2024, in Fergus Falls, MN, with his wife and niece by his side. Clarence was born June 24, 1937 to William August and Helen Ruth (Gustafson) at home in Runeberg Township, Becker County, MN. Clarence attended a country school, until the building burned. He graduated from Menahga High School with the class of 1955. He attended Bemidji State College for a year after which he joined the United States Air Force where he served from August 1957 to August 1961. Clarence met the love of his life, Shirley Kangas, on a blind date in 1962. They married on June 29, 1963 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Menahga, MN. Clarence's dream, was to own a farm. On May 1, 1965 he and Shirley purchased a farm in Spruce Grove Township, Becker County, MN. Clarence and Shirley spent thirty years as dairy farmers. Later, after retiring from farming, six winters were spent in the southwest. About three years ago, Clarence was diagnosed with a very rare brain disease. He spent the last year and a half at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN. Clarence was a people person. He loved being with family and friends. He always enjoyed going to auction sales, visiting, dancing (when younger), and volunteering with various organizations. Clarence was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church, Wolf Lake, MN and a 52 year member of the American Legion. Clarence is survived by his wife, Shirley; sister, Anita Johnson, Frazee. MN; nieces, Barbara Edlund, Brenda Johnson, Bonnie Sorlien, Becky Luedke; nephew, Terry Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen; step-father, John Anttila; half-brother, Bobby J. Anttila; brother-in-law, Norman Johnson; nephew, Timothy Johnson. A graveside funeral will be held at Menahga City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 13, 2024. Pallbearers will be Terry Johnson (nephew), Barbara Edlund, Becky Luedke (nieces), Marvin Parvi, Gene Suvanto, Arnold Thompson.