Ernest O. Clement

There will be a short memorial service with military honors for Ernie Clement at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Stoltzman Road at 10:30 am on Wednesday July 15. After the ceremony we will be gathering at the VFW Morson-Ario-Strand Post 950 to remember and salute Ernie.

Ernest O’Dell Clement, age 73, of Mankato, MN passed away April 25, 2020.

Ernie was born on July 15th, 1946 in Rochester Minnesota to Clifford and Rita. Ernie grew up on a farm just outside of Mapleton with his older sister Shyla and three younger siblings, Toby, Kelly and Angie. He enjoyed life on the farm and found some mischief with his older sister in their younger days. As Ernie got older, he helped in the fields and had chores with the animals. He enjoyed wrestling while attending Mapleton High School, before graduating. Ernie joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and served in Vietnam until 1968. He was one of the many soldiers exposed to agent orange during his service and has decided to donate his body to science to help them better understand the many effects that this herbicide has on the body. After his service he worked for the railroad for 10 years. During this time, he became a father to two loving children, Shane and Brooke Clement. He enjoyed Harley rides in his spare time and taking his son for rides in his planes at an airfield near Mankato. After his contracting job he worked with Farmland Institute for several years until he landed a job with the State of Minnesota. After 21 years with the State he officially retired.

In his retirement Ernie enjoyed working out at VINE and volunteering at Food Shelf. He also loved boating and fishing on Madison Lake. He traveled all over the U.S. with his brother Toby. They competed in trap and skeet shoots with the Paralyzed Veterans Association and won many guns for their expertise shots. Ernie owned 3 smokers and enjoyed smoking meats and cooking.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Clement, Rita Hawkins, brother, Toby Clement, and grandson, Kyle. He is survived by his son, Shane Clement of Mankato and daughter, Brooke Clement of Redding, PA. He was also blessed with four granddaughters and one great granddaughter.

In reflection of his journey Ernie said, “Life sure went by fast, but it was a hell of a ride!”

There will be a short memorial service with military honors for Ernie Clement at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Stoltzman Road at 10:30 am on Wednesday July 15, 2020. After the ceremony we will be gathering at the VFW Morson-Ario-Strand Post 950 to remember and salute Ernie.

Mankato Mortuary is assisting with the arrangements.

Visit www.mankatomortuary.com to leave a condolence or a memory of Ernie to share with his family.