Clayton J. Stevens October 17, 1922 ~ May 16, 2013 Clayton James Stevens passed away May 16, 2013, at Field Crest Assisted Living in Cottonwood, Minnesota, at the age of 90. He was born October 17, 1922, in Hanley Falls, Minnesota, to James Reuben and Clara Amanda (Jacobson) Stevens. He was baptized and confirmed at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls. He graduated from Hanley Falls High School in 1941. Clayton entered the Navy in April 1944 after boot camp. He spent one year in Japan. He was honorably discharged when World War II ended. After returning home from the service, he began farming west of Hanley Falls. Clayton married Doris Marie Petrick at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo, Minnesota, on August 16, 1959. Clayton played baseball in high school and also for both the Granite Falls and Hanley Falls town teams. He was considered to be a very good ball player and was paid $35 or $40 per game. Later in life he became a loyal Minnesota Twins fan and never tired of watching his grandkids play sports of all kinds. Clayton was the local water hauler for over 20 years. He would bring Hanley Falls "soft" water to fill cisterns, swimming pools and hot tubs and would get to visit and have coffee while the water was being unloaded. He continued to be very active in "the farm" long after his official retirement in 1990. Many times he was jokingly told to act his age. 85 year olds aren't suppose to be sorting 300 pound hogs he was told. He would smile and head into the barn whistling a tune that he made up as he went along. Clayton enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and farming. He always put the Lord first in everything he did. He was a faithful member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church. If there was cleaning or fixing to be done, he was there to help. He even helped at the church food stand every year. He looked forward to the threshing show. He took his last ride to the farm on Tuesday May 14th and enjoyed some ice cream and a hamburger along the way. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 16, 2013. Clayton is survived by his wife Doris of 53 years, sons: Danny (Sharon) Stevens of Hanley Falls, Minnesota, Jeffrey Stevens of Hanley Falls, and Robert (Sue) Stevens of Hazel Run, Minnesota; his grandchildren: Amy (Josh) Gens of Nicollet, Minnesota, Chris (fiancé Kendra Johnson) of Hanley Falls, Josh Stevens of Hanley Falls, Jared Stevens of Hanley Falls, Gena Stevens of Cottonwood, Minnesota, Luke Stevens of Hazel Run and Leah Stevens of Hazel Run; and brother Orville (Joan) Stevens of Denver, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara Stevens and siblings LeVern and Arlene. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I Am Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks undone must stay that way I've found that peace at the close of the day. If parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. ~Anonymous ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ In Loving Memory of Clayton J. Stevens Visitation Monday, May 20, 2013 ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. Pastor Steve Quist Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church Funeral Service Tuesday, May 21, 2013 ~ 11:00 a.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Hanley Falls, Minnesota Clergy Officiating Pastor Steve Quist Pastor David Wall Scripture Readings Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Psalm 23 John 14:1-7 Organist, Zee Anne Reishus Congregational Hymns "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" "On Eagles Wings" Soloist, Randy Petrick "I Love to Tell the Story" "The Lord's Prayer" Special Music, The Hallelujah Messengers "Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone" Casket Bearers Steve Johnson ~ Joshua Gens Christopher Stevens ~ Luke Stevens Joshua Stevens ~ Jared Stevens Final Resting Place East Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery Hanley Falls, Minnesota Military Rites Hanley Falls American Legion Anderson-Bestland Post 127 Hanley Falls, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota