Thomas Z. Clements

Thomas Z Clements, age 93, died March 16, 2024. He was born to Eleanor (Zender) and Wilbur Clements in Mankato on June 29, 1930. Tom graduated from St. Thomas Academy High School, and attended St. Thomas and Mankato State Colleges and Bradley University. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 and was stationed in England.    

Tom married Marion Schmit on May 16, 1953 at Holy Rosary Church. The newlyweds lived in England while Tom was in the service. Upon returning to Mankato, Tom took over the family business of Martin & Hoerr jewelry store. The business was founded in 1870 and operated until 1990 when Tom retired.

Tom was a loving, devoted family man. Many enjoyable weekends were spent at a cabin on Lake Francis while the children were growing up. There were also regular ski trips in the winter, finishing each season off with a spring ski trip to Colorado. Tom was a very successful gardener, so much so that Marion was challenged to keep up with canning and preserving. He was also an avid duck hunter, a talented wood carver and a golfer. After retiring, Tom and Marion took many trips, often including a winter trip to Florida or Arizona to take a break from Minnesota cold. They also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Many event filled family reunions were held at Cragun's on Gull Lake. Tom was very sociable so most trips and gatherings over the years included extended family and friends. Tom was a member of Rotary Club, Elks, VFW, Jaycees, and American Legion.

Survived is by his wife of 70 years Marion; children Terry, John (Deb), Paul (Chris), Tom (Molly), Bob (Trudi); grandchildren Jesy, Michelle, Nate, Wesley, Noah, Ross, Taylor, Kendra, Jake, Paige, Katie; six great grandchildren; sister Patt Berendt and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents Eleanor and Wilbur; in-laws Frances (Kober) and Perry Schmit; brother-in-law Bob Berendt; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Carol and Vern Orcutt and Harriet and Jim Griffin; and granddaughter Nicole Clements.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Friday, April 12, 2024 at St. John's Catholic Church. There will be a visitation at the church an hour before the service. Family and friends are invited to gather for lunch at the church after the service.

Suggested memorials are to St. John's Church, Loyola Catholic School, Mankato or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.