CLIFFORD DEYOUNG

Clifford Allen De Young passed away on October 12, 2023, at the St Cloud hospital.  He was 64 years old.  

Clifford was born on August 10, 1959 to parents Jake and Jeanette (Van Gunst) De Young.  Cliff was the second of 4 brothers, growing up on a small farm.  Often mom and dad would tell the brothers to get out of the house and do something, which they did. Things did not always go so well, but they did have fun, creating a lot of “interesting” memories.  Old farm machinery, old buildings, hay lofts and the pasture became his playground.  Cliff seemed to be a little more prone to injury and mishap than others, but this did not stop him from embracing life at full speed. Much of life in those early years revolved around the uncles and aunts and cousins. Large family reunions at the homes of Gordy and Marie Nelson, Wendel and Jennie Smith, Glen and Bertha Roelofs, and Leo and Harriet Harp, as well as an occasional jaunt down to Louie and Johanna Van Gunst were common. 

Cliff graduated from Ogilvie High School in 1977 and subsequently launched off into a life that took him many different places, working at many different jobs. Stints at Fingerhut in Mora and Dahlmans in Braham were followed by a job in construction in Colorado and then back to Minnesota.  Eventually Cliff settled into the hardware business in the old Zetterberg building in Mora and then the hardware store in Isle.  

Cliff was united in marriage to Roxy Gerhardson in 1990. Cliff and Roxy stayed good friends even after their divorce.  Roxy’s daughter Danica shared a special connection with Cliff as a father figure during her formative years.  

Cliff loved motorcycles, horses, hunting and socializing with friends.  He hated technology and anything to do with computers, but he loved an old-fashioned phone call.  He helped take care of his mom in her declining years and had great stories of eating at Freddies with mom after doctor’s appointments.  

Cliff’s faith grew strong in the latter part of his life, as he wrestled with health issues, finding great comfort in God’s promises of eternal life.  Spiritual conversations were frequent and meaningful for him.  He will be greatly missed by all who were close to him.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents. 

Cliff is survived by his brothers, Robert (Sandy), Walter (LuAnn), and Jeff (Lori) De Young; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A special word of thanks and gratitude to Chuck Snell, Cliff’s landlord, who not only was a great friend for many years, but was also a caregiver to Cliff several times when his health was failing. 
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at the St Cloud Hospital for the excellent help and care they provided for Cliff in his last days and weeks. Cliff brought humor and joy to our lives, and he will be greatly missed. 

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:30-7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Akkerman Chapel in Mora and again 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the Lewis Lake Covenant Church with Pastor Joe Reed officiating.

A Graveside Service and Inurnment will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 18th at Graceland Cemetery in Ogilvie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of CLIFFORD DEYOUNG, please visit our floral store.