Watch Bill's Funeral Mass

William "Bill" Clifton, age 91, passed away at Bridges Care Community in Ada, MN.

William George, was born in Waubun, MN on December 7, 1927 to Anne (Belshan) Clifton and William A. Clifton.  Bill lived in Waubun for three years and then moved with his family to Marsh Creek Township in Mahnomen County, where they lived on a farm for 5 years.  In 1936, his family moved to a farm near Roy Lake, MN.  He attended schools in Mahnomen and Clearwater Counties, graduating from Bagley High School in 1945.

He farmed in Clearwater County from 1945 to 1968 and while living there he met Marjorie "Marge" Glover.  The couple was united in marriage on November 9, 1960 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, MN.  They were blessed with five children: William Dean, Roberta, Jeffrey, Kathryn, and Kay.  In 1968, they moved to Washington State where he worked as a school custodian.  In 1969, they moved back to Mahnomen, where he began working at Cenex.  In 1970, Bill began his nearly 24-year career as Foreman with the Mahnomen County Highway Department.  Upon retiring, he remained in Mahnomen until 1996, at which time, he and Marge moved to rural Twin Valley, MN.  They moved from Twin Valley to Ulen, MN in 2013 and to Felton, MN in 2014.  Due to failing health, they moved to the Bridges Care Community in Ada last year.

Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter.  Before his eyesight prevented him from hunting any longer, he only missed two deer hunting seasons.  He could always be found tinkering in the garage, most likely fixing up something and saving it from being thrown out.  He enjoyed watching nature, from the birds at the feeders he and Marge set out to the deer and wild turkeys that came through their yard while looking for food.  Bill and Marge both had green thumbs and were always busy in their garden.  Bill was known to share a story or a good joke and he was known to visit for hours at a time.  He was a member of St. William Church in Twin Valley, MN and was formerly a member of St. Michael's in Mahnomen and St. Anne's in Naytahwaush.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Ada; 4 children: William Dean (Felecia) of East Grand Forks, MN, Jeffrey of Plummer, MN, Kathryn Kalinoski of Coon Rapids, MN, and Kay (Lanny) Hogetvedt of Felton, MN; a son-in-law, Daniel Scheff; 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anne; a daughter, Roberta Scheff, two sisters, Josephine Blake and Anne Clifton; and a half-sister, Camilla Liebl.