Clarence Agnes

Clarence Agnes, age 80, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Tuesday, September 27th at his home under the care of hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 1st at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fosston with Father Dave Super presiding. Interment will be in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, Trail, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, September 30th, and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday, all at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston. Messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com. Clarence John Agnes was born to Martha (Brandt) Agnes and Nicholas "Nick" Henry Agnes in Fosston, MN on May 18, 1931. He was raised on a farm in Hillriver Township. He attended elementary school in Trail, MN and graduated from Gonvick High School. Clarence was always interested in drama and music. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Charles Catholic Church near Trail. After graduation he attended a summer session at Mayville College. He spent some time as an orderly at St. Vincents in Crookston and as a taxi driver. After his father's death  he purchased a house in Fosston so his grandfather, mother and younger brothers would have a place to live. He enlisted in the Air Force and worked as a chef and a meteorologist. He was diagnosed with MS and returned to Fosston. Despite his handicap he did odd jobs in various stores. He enjoyed his time at Mark's Corner Drug until he could no longer take the physical demands of his job. Clarence and his younger brothers delivered the Grand Forks Herald for a number of years. He arranged his last stop at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and served daily Mass for Frs. Monroe, Felion, or visiting priests. He was often called on to chauffeur them to various meetings or events. He also sang in the choir. He served as trustee in the new St. Mary's Church during the building of the new addition and also was a greeter at the door. Clarence was an active member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), American Legion, and VFW in McIntosh where he was commander for a number of years. He enjoyed his membership in a CB club and made many lifelong friends. He was  a life member of the Knights of Columbus and thanks to many caring people was able to participate in TEC and Cursillo. He was elected Justice of the Peace in Fosston and served until the office was abolished. On Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Clarence passed away at his home in Fosston, surrounded by his family and under the care of hospice, at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father and mother, sister Marcella, brother Harold, brother-in-law Joe Fesko, sister-in-law Susan Agnes, nephew Mark Fesko, and many uncles and aunts. He is survived by two brothers Charles and Ernest of Fosston, sister Bernice Fesko of Indiana, God Daughter Catherine Agnes Lofstrand, and many nieces and nephews that always brightened his days. Saturday mornings were made special by his phone chats with Fr. Pat Sullivan, Jim and Jan Rude and Harry Ness. When asked how things were going he always cheerfully replied, not so bad. May he rest in peace.