Clarence F. Rysavy, age 80, resident of rural Michigan, ND, died Monday, October 8, 2007 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center in Lakota, ND.

Clarence Frank Rysavy was born March 20, 1927 in Sauter Township of Walsh County, ND, the son of Frank and Emma Rysavy. He was raised on the family farm and attended the Sauter School. His father died when he was young so Clarence began farming with his two brothers, Stanley and Charlie. Clarence married Mary Ann Maresh on October 14, 1953 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Bechyne. They then moved to their current farmstead, where they farmed and operated a dairy for 38 years. Throughout his life, Clarence was involved in many organizations, including the Knights of Columbus in which he served as the Grand Knight and other positions. He was a member of the WFLA Kosobud Lodge and was one of the insurance agents at one time, before he became the secretary. He was also on the Sarnia Township Board, the Farmers Union Oil Company Board, the Whitman Community Center Board, and was in a bowling league.

Clarence will be greatly missed by his wife, Mary Ann Rysavy; 2 sons, Franklin (Lauri) Rysavy and Michael (Coral) Rysavy, all of Michigan, ND; 5 grandchildren, Danielle (Ben) Gjovik, Nicholas, Kylie, Krystyne, and Natasha; a great-granddaughter, Julia Gjovik; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Gaylon Rysavy; 2 sisters, Mildred Ryba and Alice Gregory; 5 brothers, Frank, Stanley, George, Laddie, and Charlie.

Clarence's Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Lawrence O'Toole, Michigan, ND, on Friday, October 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Celebrating the Mass will be the Very Reverend Fr. Scott Sautner. Music will be provided by the St. Lawrence Church Choir, Dolly Devlin will be the organist. Interment will be in the Michigan Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Nicholas Rysavy, Ben Gjovik, Roddy Ryba, Frank Rysavy, Gordon Maresh, and David Maresh. Honorary Bearers will include Jim Rysavy, Don Rysavy, Gary Ryba, Jason Rysavy, and Paul Rysavy. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Thursday beginning at 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a Rosary & Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.