Clarence L. Namyst, 83, Holdingford

May 18, 1931 - January 7, 2015

Clarence LeRoy Namyst, age 83, Holdingford, MN, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at his home in Holdingford surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, Holdingford, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to mass at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery, Holdingford, MN. Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

Clarence was born May 18, 1931 in Holdingford, MN to Ignatius and Hedwig (Pilarski) Namyst. He attended Holdingford school before taking over the family farm in 1955. Clarence was a successful and dedicated dairy farmer, earning many dairy awards. On September 12, 1955 Clarence was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” L. Czech at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Opole, MN. Clarence farmed for many years before passing on the farm to his youngest son, Lee. Even in retirement Clarence continued to do routine fieldwork and feed dairy calves. He was a member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Clarence enjoyed singing, dancing and playing the piano; deer and bird hunting with his sons, brothers and friends, walking, recycling, keeping roadways clean, farming and especially spending time with his loving wife and family.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Namyst of Holdingford, MN; sons and daughters, Bruce Namyst of Avon, MN; Patrick (Joni) Namyst of Cohasset, MN; Lee Namyst of Holdingford, MN; Debra (Harold) Schmdit of Grey Eagle, MN; Cynthia (Charles) Groetsch of Vadnais Heights, MN; Carolyn (Victor) Yamry of Hugo, MN; brother, Fidelis (Ann) Namyst of Woodbury, MN; sisters, RoseAnn Nentl of Aitkin, MN; Dorraine (Elmer) Czech of Golden Valley, MN; nine grandchildren, Adam Groetsch, Ashley (Jason) Heintz; Victoria and Vanessa Yamry, Tyler and Travis Schmidt, Brian, Jenna and Jack Namyst; and one great grandson, Philip Heintz.

Clarence was known for his enduring love and commitment to his wife and children. Treasured are his gifts of life lessons on being a successful financial manager, great listener, and living a Christian life by exemplifying the virtues of patience, honesty, respect and generosity. Education was at the heart and soul of everything he did. He wanted his children and grandchildren to have a lifelong love for learning. Clarence was deeply loved and forever will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and patient mentor. He left a legacy of faith to his family, which shall go on for generations. Thank You Dad!