Clarence Breding • 1911- 2009

Clarence Breding, 98, Powers Lake, ND, died Thursday, December 24, 2009, in a Tioga hospital.

Clarence was born July 27, 1911, the 11th of 13 children of Ole and Anna (Olson) Breding on the farm near Powers Lake, ND. He went to country school at first.  In 1920, the family moved to town, next to the schoolhouse where he finished grade school.  Then he worked for his brothers Henry and Othniel on their farms.

Clarence married Agnes Evelyn Jorgenson July 10, 1934, in Bowbells, ND. They continued to live in Powers Lake after their marriage.  Clarence and Agnes were admitted to San Haven T.B. Sanitarium in 1937 where they remained for about a year.  While at San Haven, Clarence invented an intercom system which he fashioned from radio parts, earphones, and copper wire. This allowed them to communicate with each other.

Clarence lived and worked in Powers Lake most of their lives except for a couple stints out west.  In the forties, they lived a few years in Tacoma where Clarence worked in the shipyards.  In 1957, the family moved to Hanford, CA for a couple years where Clarence did carpentry work with his brothers-in-law Adolph and Harold Jorgenson.

In Powers Lake, Clarence worked in Hove's store, Breding's Hardware and served as City Police Chief and Water Works Superintendent.  He also worked with his father-in-law Ed Jorgenson and son Harold in construction. Clarence was a master plumber and kept his license renewed up to the age of 88 when he fully retired.  Clarence was an all-around handyman who could fix up most anything.  He was called out in all kinds of weather for various repair jobs.  Helping people in their time of need was considered his ministry.

Clarence and Agnes together owned and operated "The Tradin' Post"-a quaint store featuring Scandinavian items and plumbing parts. Agnes passed away July 2, 2002.

Clarence and Agnes were active members of Bethel Baptist Church where Clarence served as deacon.  He was also the recording engineer for the radio broadcast "The Prairie Lighthouse Hour".

Clarence enjoyed hunting, fishing, carpentry work, and helping his children with their projects.  He enjoyed shooting pool and visiting at the Senior Citizens Center.  He kept up with local sports and was the Ranchers biggest fan.  But most of all, he enjoyed the company of family and friends.

Surviving family includes: sons, Ron (Ardell) Breding, Penn Valley, CA, and Carter (Dawnelle) Breding, Williston; son-in law Clarence Ehnes, Gregory, SD; Special daughter-in-law, Corinne (Corky) Moe; Special care giver, Vicki Osterbrink;13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes; son, Greg Breding; daughter Sheila Ehnes; 7 brothers, and 5 sisters.

Funeral: Thursday, December 31, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, Powers Lake, ND.

Interment:  Bethel Baptist Cemetery, Powers Lake, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Powers Lake.

Memorials: are preferred to Bethel Baptist Church.

Officiating Clergy: Rev. Brian Skar

Music
The Bethel Trio, June Enget, Ardy Enget and Lupe Obert
“The Lighthouse” and “Amazing Grace”
Sandra Huseby, accompanist

CD Selections
Processional, “How Great Thou Art”
Recessional instrumental, “I’ll Fly Away”

Honorary Bearers: Jodi Palassou, Rondel Premo, Susie Bozzo, Angela Grindeland, Arianne Slemin, Amber Breding, Sebrina Hoffmeister, Shannon Roggow, Terry Peterson and Brad Peterson.

Active Bearers: Tony Breding, Shawn Ehnes, Shane Ehnes, Scott Ehnes, Steven Ehnes                   Todd Jorgenson, Steve Jorgenson, Scott Jorgenson

Everyone is invited to join the family for lunch and fellowship in the lower level of the church.  Those not attending the graveside service may begin the fellowship and luncheon and the family will join you when they return from the cemetery.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.  Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.  A special thank you to Anna and Becky at the Tioga Medical Center and to all the wonderful caregivers Clarence had there.

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