Clayton L. Walstrom, 81, died on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by his loving family.

Clayton was born on May 5, 1930, in rural New Richland, the son of Lester and Lillie (Verplank) Walstrom.

Clayton attended country school and then graduated from New Richland High School in 1948.

Following his return from serving our country in the U.S. Navy, Clayton farmed in the New Richland area.

He married Harriet Smith on Oct. 11, 1953, in New Richland. She preceded him in death in 1970. On Nov. 17, 1974, he was united in marriage to Rose Ann Brakke in Blooming Prairie. In 1978, the couple moved to Wisconsin where they bought a dairy farm, and farmed until returning to the Waseca and New Richland area about 10 years ago.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church of New Richland, the American Legion, and the V.F.W. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and traveling; with Norway and Hawaii being his most memorable trips. Bowling was an enjoyable activity for Clayton, he was a life member of the American Bowling Congress.

Farming was his passion, and even in his later years he loved driving around the countryside checking up on all the crops. Spending time with his loving family gave him much joy.

Clayton is survived by his children: Denise (Glen) Palecek, Winona, Donna (Joe) Kincade, Wadena, Bradley (Pam) Walstrom, Alma, Wis., Pamela (David) Farr, Ellendale, Garry (Sandy) Walstrom, New Richland, Cynthia (James) Wolslegel, Fargo, N.D., Paul (Kathy) Brakke of Indianapolis, Keith (Ann) Brakke, Apple Valley, Thomas (Holly) Brakke, Alma, Wis., Brian Brakke, Eagan; 23 grandchildren; 15great grandchildren; sisters and brothers: Millie Neidt (Gordon Deisch), Waseca, Shirley Lowder, Prior Lake, John (Sandy) Walstrom, Richfield, Joni (Craig) Proehl, Moorhead, Tony (Sam) Walstrom, Baxter, Iowa, Julie (Don) Boots, Savage, Minn. and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Harriet Walstrom in 1970 and his wife Rose Ann Walstrom in 2007, his sister Vonnie Landers.

Clayton was asked by his family if he had any words of wisdom and he said “Just be a good person.”

These words will always be remembered, as they were a great reflection of how he lived his life.

The Funeral Service for Clayton L. Walstrom of New Richland, will be held at noon on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, at the First Congregational Church in New Richland. The Rev. Pamela Jensen will officiate. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, New Richland.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland, and one hour before the service at the church.