Clell Bone, of Isanti, died February 4, 2014 at home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 8th at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti with Rev. Clifton Hanson officiating. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent to Northland Rec Lab Scholarship Fund, The Heart Association, or the National MS Society.
Maurice Clelland Bone, (Clell) died Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at his home in Isanti, MN. Born the son of Reverend Maurice David and Cleland Winans Bone June 6, 1935, in the doctor’s office in LaMoure, North Dakota, he graduated from Germantown High School, 1954, the University of Dubuque with a BA in Sociology, Speech Minor in 1959, and San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Francisco, CA with a Masters in Christian Education in 1964. He served in the United States Army from 1960-1962 serving as Personnel Psychology Specialist in Army Aviation in the Human resources Research Unit, Continental Army Command (CONARC) at Fort Rucker Alabama. Discharged Specialist 4th Class Rank with Good Conduct Medal and two Unit Commendations.
Clell married Mary Ellen Ausenhus, in Hanlontown, IA December 29, 1960. They celebrated 53 years of marriage living in Isanti, MN since 1972. Clell and Mary Ellen had three children, Sue Ellen Bone (fiancé Joe Bailey), Worthington, MN, Jonathan (Gayla) Bone, Pine City, MN and Stephen (Becky) Bone, Rapid City, SD. Clell worked in the ministry field after graduating from Seminary as a Youth Minister from 1964 to 1971. He was active with youth work and led many canoe trips from Illinois to the Boundary Water Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota. After moving to Minnesota, Clell worked for Volunteers of America (VOA) at Bar-None Treatment Center, Anoka, VOA Care Corporation, Twin Cities area, MN, Loring Towers and Nicollet Towers, Minneapolis, MN. As part of his duties with VOA, Clell became ordained in order to conduct funerals and weddings. As a result of this additional training, Clell also began performing weddings for many members of his family and friends.
Clell was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attending sporting events, musical performances, and playing games, puzzles, and making thousands of buttons for a wide variety of family and community events. Northland Recreation Laboratory (Rec Lab) held a very special place in his heart. His father Maurice was involved in the early organizational days of Rec Lab and encouraged Clell to attend his first Rec Lab in 1959. Attending Rec Lab changed his life and shaped his leadership skills and philosophy of life. It was at Rec Lab that Clell met his wife. He served on the board as President (Boss) and was an active Past President (Old Man) remaining active in attending Rec Lab and Winter Labs until his death. Clell was an avid recruiter during his lifetime telling others about this wonderful camp experience that every adult age 18 to 109 should attend. He was proud that his children are third generation labbers. Clell also had a strong faith. He served on many committees which included church council, was involved in youth group activities, was the bus driver for Heavenly Sonshine Nursery school field trips, taught Confirmation and was a Bible Study Leader at church. He also had a very strong desire to actively volunteer. He served the community on the Isanti Volunteer Fire Department, City Council Councilman, Sheriff’s Chaplain (God Squad), and as an election judge.
Clell is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Bone, three children, eleven grandchildren Russell and Cory Bailey, Matt Weimer (Aleasha Anderson), Mallory (Ty) Farstad, Micah (Chelsie) Weimer, Jordan and Noah Bone, Ryan (Olivia) Bone, Samantha (Jeremy) Gourley, Zachary Sophia Bone, nine great grandchildren Marysa, Mayson, and Max Londgren, Lily Weimer, Auston, Addison, and Abriana Weimer, Landon and Brooklyn Bone, one brother, John (Bobbie) Bone, Beverly Hills, MI, three brothers in law Robert (Fran Stratbucker) Ausenhus, Loveland, CO, John (Karen Colby) Ausenhus, Omaha, NE, Paul Ausenhus, Clear Lake, IA, one uncle Dr. E.C. (Louise) Bone, Jacksonville, IL, 20 nieces and nephews, and 40 great nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, two brothers in law Mickey Studenmund, Jack Harting, great nephew Landon Quinn, aunts and uncles.
Mary Ellen and Family. We at the Creamery Crossing who knew Clell have you in our thoughts. I will miss him picking up your to go orders. He was always delayed in picking them up, but, eventually you got dinner. He was always so kind to me throughout the number of years that I have been in Isanti. We send you strength for the days ahead.
To Mary Ellen and Sue Ellen and all of your family members: Many prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. God will give you strength each day.
Mary Ellen, Sue Ellen and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. It was so good to see Clell at Sue Ellen’s birthday party/engagement surpise. He always had of way of bringing smiles and laughter to the room. Many prayers and hugs to you all.
Mary Ellen, SueEllen, Jonathan, Steven,
Northland Rec Lab and Winter Creative Life Labbers surround you with loving arms as we mourn with you the passing of our dear, dear Clell.
How very grateful I am that just 14 days ago Clell was at Winter Lab sharing himself, his button machine and rubber band tricks! He was a tall, gentle giant who leaves a big hole in our hearts. Oh, how I will miss him, his presence in the dining hall and his wisdom so gently given when appropriate.
Beth Russell
Dear Mary Ellen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the death of Clell. He was such a unique individual and always had such a positive attitude. We will miss him.
Alan and Louise Duff
Dear MaryEllen & family
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing away of your husband and father to your children. Your family was so nice to our family when we first landed in Isanti. We lived in the basement of your home intell our’s home was finish. We thank you for you beening such good people to our family and the community. Cell was a great man and a wounderful friend he will be missed so much God Bless You And Your Family. Mary Mack & Family
Dear Mary Ellen & family
So sorry to hear about Clell. He was not only a special friend but a very special person. We’ll miss him so much at Kim & Dale’s gatherings. He always had his bag of tricks to share. He was such an example of serving the Lord with his gracious friendship to the community.
May God’s peace and comfort be with you with the many happy memories he left for us to share.
Archie and Jo-Ann
Clell was…and is… A good example of what we all aspire to be for one another. His reputation for hugs and supportive words is epic. What a legacy! He will be greatly missed.
May you be comforted by fond memories of Clell. I recall his leadership and some lessons he shared with the youth group I was in at Faith Lutheran Church. Clell was a man of integrety. I imagine him being told “Well done good and faithful servant.”
No wonder Peggy found in Sue Ellen a wonderful friend, because she came from such a wonderful family!! What a great example Clell was to his children and community! I remember when Nancy was lost and how much help he was in looking for her! You have a very faith filled family and God will definitley look after all of you!!! Sending you and your family a BIG HUG from us and God Bless all of you!!!!!!!!
My prayers and love are for you in these days! Clell has always been such a good friend and a kind, loving man. My God’s love for Clell, you and your family comfort you.
Beverly
Dear Mary Ellen, Jonathan, Stephen and Sue Ellen,
We were shocked and saddened by the news of Clell’s death. He was a great example of what a father, friend and Christian should be. He meant so much to Dave and I as well as to my kids. He will be greatly missed. God be with you through this hard time and may He lift your spirit with the thought and remembrance of a wonderful man! Love, Sandy & Dave Olson
Dear Mary Ellen and Family,
Just heard the news of Clell’s passing and am so sorry for you loss. We will miss him greatly but take comfort knowing he is singing with the angels. He was our first neighbor to come and greet us 20 years ago when we moved to Isanti. I don’t think we the moving truck had been in the driveway 2 hours and he was there letting us know we could count on him to help us anyway he could. We will miss him.