Clayton A. Qualley, 89, Erskine, MN, died Sunday, June 3, 2018, with his family by his side at Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston, MN.

Clayton Allen Qualley was born April 1, 1929 in Poplar, MT to Melvin and Kjrstina "Stina" (Fladhammer) Qualley. He was baptized on May 5, 1929 at Zion Lutheran Church in Poplar, MT. He started grade school in Brockton, MT and then moved with his family to Winger, MN.  He continued his education in Bejou and Erskine through the 8th grade.  He was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Rodnes Lutheran Church, rural Erskine.  He was a member of Maple Lake Lutheran Church.

He served his country as a Marine during the Korean War from December, 1951 through December, 1954. He was honored by making the Honor Flight to Washington DC in May, 2017.

Clayton married Ardis Locken on June 13, 1959 at Calvary Lutheran in Winger.

Clayton loved farming, especially dairy farming which he did for 40+ years. He bought his first tractor at the age of 15.  He loved horses, other animals and going to the sales barn, to auction sales and threshing bees.  He also loved music and was very talented playing many instruments by ear including the violin, guitar, piano and mouth organ.  He liked jamming with many friends.

He served on the Maple Lake Church board and the Rindal Creamery board of directors.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Ardis, of 59 years, his children and grandchildren: DeAnn (Mike) Skaug, Beltrami, MN- Amber (Tyler) Petry and their children, Hadley and Logan, Ryan (Karina) Skaug; Denae (Todd) Boushee, Grand Forks, ND- Mikki (Michael) Mendez and their children, Savannah, Briahna and Viviahna, Mitchell (Tamara) Helling, Matthew (Michelle) Helling, Michael Boushee and his daughter Khloe; Danny (Shelley) Qualley, Fertile, MN- Dylan, Dallas, Dakota and Montana Qualley; and Dennis (Heather) Qualley, Beltrami, MN- Jorgen, Kamryn, Levi and Mariah, one brother; Curtis (Bonnie) Qualley, Erskine, MN along with several nieces and nephews and several other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers; Milton, Ernest, twins Alfred and Arnold, and Leo, and three sisters; Jeanette Sullivan and twin sisters at birth.

Funeral: 11:00AM Friday, June 8, 2018, at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, Rural Fertile, MN.

Visitation: Thursday, June 7, 6:00pm to 8:00pm with 7:30 prayer service  at the church.

Burial: Maple Lake Lutheran Cemetery.