Clarence E. Netzer

Clarence Emil "Red" Netzer, age 90, passed away Sept. 8, 2025 at Ave Maria Nursing Home in Jamestown, N.D. after struggling and suffering with congestive heart failure for over a year. He was at home under Hospice care then in Ave Maria for 5 days before he passed.

Clarence was born to Emil and Edna (Henne) Netzer on Aug. 21, 1935 on the family farm near Sydney, ND in Stutsman County. He attended country schools until he was in the 5th grade and the family moved to Jamestown. He attended Lincoln Grade School and Jamestown High School, graduating in 1954.

He loved to go out and help his Uncle Clarence on the farm in the summer. Later he had a paper route and worked at Jamestown Motor Supply (now TSC) part time. After graduation he worked full-time at Motor Supply until Jan. 1963. He then started working for Sweetheart Bakery as salesman and driver. He then got the nickname "Red the bread man". The "Red" came from his bright red hair. He retired from the bakery on Oct.31, 1995.

Later, he worked part time at James River Humane Society for 5 years as morning animal care giver. He, along with his wife Shirley also volunteered at the Humane Society for 17 years doing whatever needed doing. They usually ended up adopting and taking home animals that had health or behavior problems and giving them love and care they needed. They fostered dogs for Prairie Paws Rescue and adopted some of those. He leaves behind his beloved little doggie "Skipper" who misses him terribly.

He met his future wife Shirley Schlecht in a cafe where she worked as waitress. They were married Oct. 7, 1956, in the 1st Congregational Church, Jamestown of which they' re still members today. They had 3 children together which he loved dearly and spent a lot of good time with them. He often would take one of them on the bread route on Saturdays or summer school vacations and on weekends you could often find him sitting on the floor playing board games with them.

They lived in Jamestown until 1986 when they moved to Spiritwood Lake, ND. Many hours were spent on the lake boating and fishing. He loved driving the boat and pulling the Kids and Grandkids on skis or tubes and get a kick out of dunking or dumping them. He was known for his good sense of humor.

They moved back to Jamestown in 2022 when taking care of the lake property got too difficult for them due to age and health issues.

They loved to go camping and travel, starting with a tent when the kids were young and later with campers. They traveled to many states and visited many State and National Parks and twice to Alaska. He enjoyed annual trips to TR National Park to camp and hike and the Musical at Medora. They also took a trip to Hawaii and Australia and a cruise to the Caribbean. Clarence was quite handy with a saw and hammer and did a lot of carpenter work adding on to or remodeling their homes. In between Shirley would keep him busy cutting out seasonal lawn decorations and making bird houses, etc. which she then painted and decorated.

He was a dedicated Vikings fan and enjoyed football games. He was an active member of the Jamestown Eagles club, active member of the 1st Congregational Church, UCC for 68 years, enjoyed Men's Day golf at the Hillcrest Golf club and belonged to a Men's bowling team and a couple’s bowling team.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 69 years, Shirley, children Jeffrey, Oklahoma City, Shiela (Lance) Nitschke of West Fargo and Francine (Jeff) Syvrud, Shakopee, MN. Grandchildren Lee & Luke Nitschke, Fargo. Amber (Ryan) Kennedy, Pequot Lakes, MN, Step grandchildren, Sam (Jill) Syvrud, Golden Valley, MN, Jessica (Hank) Van Liew, Carver MN, & Paula Martin, Oklahoma City. Great Grandsons Brody & Graham Kennedy, Pequot Lakes, MN. Sister's Alida Posein, Jamestown & Clarice (Abe) Reddekopp, Kansas City. Brother Dwight (Darcy) Netzer, Grand Forks, ND. Brothers -in-law Steven Schlecht, Jamestown, Garry (Ginger) Schlecht, Mandan, Jerome (Susan) Schlecht & Dennis Schlecht, Salem, OR. Sister-in-law Mary Catherine Netzer, Ely, MN and many cousins and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Emil and Edna (Henne)Netzer, Parents In-law Emil and Martha (Schauer) Schlecht, Brothers Orval (Mary) & Milton Netzer, Daughter in-law Debbie Netzer, Sister-in- law Mildred (Reidar) Ytgard, Brothers in-law Ray Posein, Lloyd, Elroy & Rodney Schlecht and all his uncles & Aunts.

In Lieu of flowers Donations may be made to JRMC Hospice, Prairie Paws Animal Rescue or the 1st Congregational Church Memorial Fund.

Memorial Service- 1:00 PM Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the First Congregational Church, Jamestown, ND with visitation beginning at 11:00.

Interment- Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown, ND

Arrangements- Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND