Cletus F. Liebl, age 90, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, October 6, 2017, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, surrounded by family. Cletus Francis Liebl was born in a log home in Norman County on January 8, 1927, the youngest child of Peter and Hedwig (Neubauer) Liebl. He started country school and later attended St. Michael's Catholic School through the eighth grade. As a young boy, Cletus helped on the farm with all the daily chores. With the passing of his father at the age of 13, the farming responsibilities fell to Cletus and his brother Ray. On June 7, 1958, Cletus was united in marriage to Carol Klinkhammer at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu. The couple made their home on the homestead which they purchased shortly after they were married. Cletus and Carol were blessed with 11 children. He really enjoyed being a dairy farmer, and he loved working side by side with his wife and kids. After years of farming, Cletus retired in 1991. The following year, he decided he needed something to keep busy, so he began working as a custodian at the Mahnomen Public School. For the next 19 years, Cletus enjoyed working at the school and watching all the kids grow, many of whom called him Grandpa. Last year as Cletus' health began to decline they moved to town; Cletus to the nursing home and Carol to Valley View so she could continue to be close to the love of her life. Over the years, Cletus was on the Land O' Lakes Milk Board for Norman County, an FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer Member, past Knights of Columbus member and a 90-year continuous member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Whether it was cutting wood, deer hunting, or gardening, Cletus was happiest outdoors. He loved to garden, take care of his apple trees, feed and watch the birds and meticulously tend to his rose bushes each season. He also loved watching football on TV. In his younger years, Cletus participated in wagon box races, spending time with friends and going to the Flowing Well, where he met Carol. He had a great sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. Whenever possible, Cletus attended his kids and grandkids activities, and he especially liked the football games. His grandkids always got such a kick out of him and the wise and humorous comments he would make. He will be greatly missed by many. Cletus is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol, of Mahnomen; three sons: Francis (Margaret) of Ada, Peter (Marcia) of Fertile, and Duane (Janet) of Gary; seven daughters: Denise (Mark) TeBrake of Glenwood, Kathy (Mike) Gieseke of Winger, Donna (Gary) Langaas of Greenbush, Diane (Doug) Kettner of Mahnomen, Mary Gieseke of Winger, Anita (Scott) Revier of Winger, and Karen (Rob) Stech of Mahnomen; daughter-in-law, Carrie (Joe) Heisler of Gary; 30 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Doug; a grandson, Joseph Gieseke; a brother and his wife Raphael and Geraldine (Broten) Liebl; two sisters and their husbands Bernadine (Paul) Ahmann and Lorraine (Wilbert) Eveslage. Blessed be the memory of Cletus Liebl. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Rosary & Prayer Service at 6:30pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.