Clifford J. Ertelt, age 89, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Fingal, ND, died Wednesday, December 19th at Elim Care Center, Fargo, ND.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fingal, ND. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 6th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and one hour before the mass on Monday morning at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday evening at the church. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in the spring.
Clifford was born to Loretta (Schwehr) and Joseph Ertelt June 23, 1929 in Fortuna, ND. The family moved near Tower City in 1931 where he grew up and they farmed until 1968.
In 1951 Clifford married Dorothy Ramsett and was married for 59 years. Together they raised ten children on the family farm and moved to Fingal in 1970. Clifford delivered fuel and drove semi for Land-O-Lakes and Rustad’s. After farming, Clifford worked on road construction including HWY 32, US94, Garrison Diversion, McClusky Cannel and the Pembina dike. He enjoyed driving school bus for class trips and sporting events. In 1974 he started work at Miller Elevator and retired from there in 1994. After retirement Clifford enjoyed working for area farmers and going for coffee at the local cafe. In 2007 he and Dorothy moved to West Fargo. Clifford especially enjoyed the annual hunting excursions with his family and friends, fishing trips with his sons, gardening and traveling. A great handyman, he could fix almost anything and has fortunately passed that talent to his children. Never at a loss for words, Clifford made friends everywhere he went. Clifford was a past member of the Fingal Fire Department, Fingal Wildlife Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Clifford is survived by six sons, Mark, Kathyrn, Jerome (Heather), Fingal, Scott (Karla), Algona, IA, Brian (Mary), Dilworth, MN, Steven, Casselton, Chad (Heather), Fargo, four daughters, Donna (Brent) McCullough, Kenosha, WI, Judy (Chuck) Brady, Cambridge, MN, Janet (Mike) Eastley, West Fargo, Karen Ertelt-Wanner, Wahpeton, 29 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, sisters Delores Cline, Seattle, WA, Georgina Borman, Dana Point, CA, Janice (James) Venaas, Mesa, AZ, and brother James (Nicol), Rochester, MN.
Clifford was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, parents, a brother Donald and daughter-in-law Joyce Ertelt.
Funeral arrangements by the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home of Valley City, ND. An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com