Clarice Prestegord, age 100, of South St. Paul, MN, died December 27, 2015, in Vista Prairie at River Heights Assisted Living, South St. Paul.

Clarice Karine Morken was born September 14, 1915, the daughter of Albert and Laura (Potter) Morken near Ulen, MN, where she was raised. Clarice attended District 46 country school west of Hitterdal through the eighth grade. As a young lady, Clarice worked on farms in the area. One of her many stories was picking potatoes and how many bushels she picked. On December 30, 1935, Clarice was united in marriage to Leroy Prestegord near Twin Valley at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on a farm east of Twin Valley for several years. She enjoyed the farm life and helping her husband with the work. Over the years she raised chickens and sold eggs at the Fossum Store for extra money. One of Clarice's proudest purchases with her egg money was the purchase of an accordion for her son, Lowell, at the cost of $75.00. In 1953, Clarice and Leroy moved their family to South St. Paul where she did house work in the area. Leroy passed away on August 25, 1996, and Clarice continued to live in their home until 2003, when she came to live with her daughter, Cleone. In 2014, she moved into the Vista Prairie River Heights Assisted Living where she lived until the time of her death.


Over the years, Clarice continued to be a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church. Her favorite pastimes included dancing, sewing, making lefse, and spending time visiting with relatives when she and Leroy would go on Sunday afternoon drives.


Clarice is survived by a son, Lowell Prestegord of South St. Paul, MN and a daughter, Cleone Sawatzky of Mendota Heights, MN; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and a brother, Ervin Morken of Warren, MN.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and two sisters.