Clarence "Shorty" Blaser, age 90, of Erskine, MN, formerly Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at Pioneer Care Center, Erskine.

Clarence J. Blaser, the son of Adolph and Laura (Hillesland) Blaser, was born on January 21, 1924, into the loving arms of his grandmother, who served as a midwife. As a child, he grew up on the family farm in La Garde Township and attended country school through the eighth grade. As a teenager, Clarence helped move his family to a new farmstead with only a hay wagon. He was an expert horseman and handled a sleigh with precision. Clarence helped on his family farm, as well as worked for area neighbors. While employed with Jack Geray he earned the nickname "Shorty", to whom he was known by many. Clarence lived for a short time in Dubuque, IA, working with International Tractors and later worked in the iron mines of Northern Minnesota. In the late 1960s Clarence purchased the family farm, with his brother, Arnold. In addition to farming, he spent years logging, helping with construction, painting, and doing finish carpentry work. In 2009, Clarence moved off of the farm and into the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. He later made his home at the Pioneer Care Center in Erskine.

Shorty's true passion was farming and logging. He loved being outdoors and spending time in the woods. He enjoyed snowmobiling and riding 4-wheelers. Clarence loved to entertain family and always had an event planned for the children. In his leisure time, he loved to go to the Flowing Well to dance and talk with friends. He made many wonderful memories with his family; gently teaching life lessons while simply spending time with them. He strived to please others, especially his brothers and sisters. Clarence truly had a kind heart and loving personality that will be missed by those who knew him.
Clarence is survived by three brothers: Joseph (Shirley) of Wyoming, MN, David (Carolyn) of Sibley, ND, and John (Linda) of Fosston, MN; six sisters: Lorraine Hefel of Holy Cross, IA, Mildred Jasken of Ogema, MN, Margie Elsinger of Guttenberg, IA, Diane Botz of Minneapolis, MN, Rosella Spaeth, of Mahnomen, and Carol (Walter) Geray, also of Mahnomen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Arnold, brother-in-laws; Charlie Hefel, Elmer Spaeth, Leonard Jasken, Andy Elsinger, Roman Botz and one sister-in-law, Rosemary Blaser.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, August 15, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation was on Thursday, August 14, from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen. Burial was in the church cemetery.