Clarence Purfeerst

Clarence M. Purfeerst, age 89 passed away quietly on Monday, September 25, 2017 at his home in St. Paul, MN. He is survived by wife Rosemond and their six children - Judy (John) Hanscom, Jane Stoneburner, Jim (Deb) Purfeerst, Joe (Pat) Purfeerst, Mary (Tom Hager), and Amy (Mark) Nordstrom; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
A life-long farmer by trade, Clarence was actively involved in numerous organizations, serving in leadership roles and being honored with many awards: Exalted Ruler Elks, Knights of Columbus, Faribault Jaycee President, Jaycee's Outstanding Young Farmer - Gold Key Award recipient & Minnesota National Director, Fraternal Order of Eagles , Moose Lodge, Minnesota Boy Scouts Board of Directors, Rice County Farmers Union President, Rice County Dairy Herd Improvement Association Board, Faribault Airport Zoning Board (holding a private pilot's license), March of Dimes Rural Drive Chairperson, Chairman of Rice County American Cancer Society, Chairman of Rice County Agricultural Stabilization Conservation committee, Rice County 4-H Leader.
Clarence also had a deep love for politics. He was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1970, and was continuously re-elected until his retirement as a State Senator in 1991. During his time in the legislature, Clarence was a member of the Senate's Commerce, Employment, Finance, Health, Welfare and Corrections, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Public Utilities and State Regulated Industries, Rules and Administration, Transportation, and General Legislation committees. He also served as Transportation Committee Chair for 18 years (1973 - 1991) and was Majority Leader Pro Tem from 1987 to 1991. Clarence was honored to represent his constituents, and was fondly remembered for his "Purfer-isms," while serving in the legislature.
His love of family, sense of adventure, and zest for life will be missed by all that knew him.
In accordance with Clarence's wishes, please join with family and friends in a celebration of his life on Sunday, October 1st from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Faribault Elks Lodge, 131 Lyndale Ave. N, Faribault or on Sunday, October 8th from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Mancini's Char House, 531 W. 7th St., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to donor's choice in memory of Clarence.