Obituary for Clarence E. Petaja
Clarence Eugene Petaja, 93, passed away Friday February 27, 2015 at the Pioneer Medical Center. Clarence was born August 12, 1921 in Roundup, MT to Thomas and Mary (Johnson) Petaja. He enlisted in the US Navy in April of 1942 serving as an aviation machinist mate until being honorably discharged in November of 1945. He married Agnes Dempster on October 28, 1942. In 1946 Clarence purchased the Sweet Grass Creamery and Dairy settling his family in Big Timber and operating the business until he retired in 1984. Clarence was a member of St Joseph's Catholic Church, a 69 year member of the American Legion Post 19 and was active in several community organizations including the Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department, Jaycees, Lions Club and served on the City Council. He was an avid golfer and was instrumental in the building of the Overland Golf Course. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his true love of 69 years, Agnes, brothers Vern, Gordon and Arnie, sisters Mayme, Sadie, Cecilia and son-in-law Russ Weller. He is survived by his son Charles (Maggie) of Helena; Daughters Barb (Roger) of Helena, Anne (Pat) of St Helena, CA and Jane (Rob) of Big Timber, 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and his sister Carmen of Seattle. In his retirement, when Clarence was not golfing you could find him enjoying a game of Pitch at the Legion.
Service:
11:00 A.M. Thursday
Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Big Timber, MT
Service:
11:00 A.M. Thursday
Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Big Timber, MT
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