"Dear Aunt Patty and cousins too~ I know your dad lived his life to the fullest and just like other family have commented....I too have only the best memories of your dad/Uncle Clayton and they are of a gentle soft spoken and kind man. Uncle Clayton always held ( and you too Patty) a special place in my heart because of the fact that he was my godfather. And of course, you as well Patty ~my godmother. Your dad and husband gave you a gift~the gift of your family. You don?t have to go through this alone...you can draw on each other for support and lots of love. Hugs and love to you all! Maria Denzen-Kelly XOXOX "
In loving memory of
Clayton U. Plante
June 3, 1929 - May 17, 2021
After a short illness, surrounded by his loving family, Clayton Plante, 91, passed from this life at home on May 17, 2021. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, June 11, 2021, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 9 - 10:30 am at the church on Friday prior to the service with a lunch to follow. The family asks unvaccinated individuals please wear masks provided at church entrance.
Clayton was born on June 3, 1929, in Fort Ripley, the son of Joseph and Eva (Allord) Plante. He lived and worked on the family farm in Belle Prairie Township until he entered the U. S. Army in 1954. After his military service, Clayton returned to Morrison County. He married the love of his life, Patricia Faust, on April 21, 1956, and began more than 35 years of employment with the Hennepin Paper Company in Little Falls. Clayton and Patty raised 6 children at their home in Little Falls. As the family grew, he and his good friend Donald Zoren started a part-time business, West Side Aluminum, selling and installing doors and windows. Clayton was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish, the American Legion, and the United Steelworkers.
When Clayton retired on January 1, 1992, life began at "62" and he enjoyed the simplicity of life with family, friends and his shetland sheepdog Dusty. He did volunteer work which included delivering meals on wheels, washing dishes at funerals, and serving coffee and doughnuts at church. Clayton was happiest when he was able to be out of doors. He loved outdoor exercise and for 15 years did a daily four mile hike with his favorite companion, his devoted dog Dusty. Clayton loved fishing, and camping, and traveling - especially 'out west.' But his greatest sense of contentment came from his garden and especially the tomatoes he loved to grow, harvest, and preserve for winter. He took pride in his family and the life they shared together.
Clayton was a man who believed in his family, his faith, and his country. Hardworking and loyal, fair and generous, he gave his all to the life he loved.
He is survived by Pat, his wife and loving friend of 65 years; his six children Laurie (Howard Wilson), Michael, Karen (Botan Anderson), Kristin, Brian, and Julie (Jeff Leyda); his grandchildren Mira, Violet, and Michael; and his sisters Marion Gau and Joan (Roger) Thielen. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Eva Plante; his brothers Harvey, Warren, and Leonard; his sister Priscilla Nagel; sisters-in-law Eileen (Warren) and Jane (Leonard); and brothers in-law James Gau and Ray Nagel.
Tributes
"Blessed be his memory. May Clayton rest in the peace of Christ, and may God hold all of you in the palm of his hand."
"Dear aunt Patty and cousins, my heart-thoughts have been with you steadily since the passing of Uncle Clayton. My memories of Uncle Clayton are of a kind and gentle man. I remember the warmth of his eyes and his soft-spoken voice and his gentle smile. Aunt Patty, may your children bring you comfort in your time of grief. Sweet cousins, I hold you close, at this most tender time of loss. I am holding all of you in my love. "
"Plante family, so sorry for your loss. A real nice man. May he rest in peace. God Bless You all."
"Deepest condolences to my dear friend, Julie and all of the Plante family. May your shared memories and those you hear from friends and family bring you some comfort at this time! Peace be with you all, ~Becky Schmidt"
"Deepest sympathy to the Plante family. May he Rest In Peace ??"
"To the Clayton Plante family: Sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy, prayers & condolences to Clayton?s entire family. Clayton was a great family man, & a great man all around to work with. He was like a father to me, he had great patience when working with him. I knew Clayton for 26 years, and he always greeted you with a great smile. He will be greatly miss by all. May he rest in heaven with our Heavenly Father. Gods blessings on Clayton & his loving family. God bless you all. "
"Sympathies to the Plante family. Keep those memories close."