Clifford B. Birkholz

Clifford B. Birkholz, age 82, of Hastings, passed away August 22, 2011 at his home in Hastings. He was born In Madison, MN on January 24, 1929 to Arnold and Ida Birkholz. Clifford married Marlys Hess in Traverse County on June 29, 1952. In his youth he was an avid basketball player. He loved watching all sports, and was still playing golf and basketball until his final days. He worked for the Milwaukee Rail Road and the Soo Line Rail Road, and in his retirement years worked as a Custodian at Allina Clinic. Clifford was a Korean War Veteran and Retired from the National Guard in 1991 as a Staff Sergeant. He was an avid volunteer at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, a member of the Thursday Morning Bible Study, and enjoyed attending all three Services on Sunday.Clifford was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; parents; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Jodell (Allen) Glodowski, of Fountain City, WI; sons, Gaylen Birkholz of Apple Valley; and Corey Birkholz of Plymouth; grandchildren, Ruthann (Brian) Lundquist; Kathryn; Krissa; and Phillip Glodowski; and Anthony Jorgenson; brother, Marvin (Julie) Birkholz of Princeton; and many nieces; nephews; great nieces; and great nephews. A Funeral Service, officiated by Reverend Doug Duin, will be held on Friday (8/26), 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th St. in Hastings. A Visitation will be held on Thursday (8/25) from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring St., Hastings and one hour prior to service at church on Friday. Pallbearers are Russ Sylte, Arden Eilers, Dwight Harrison, Mike Gaehler, Mike Quam, Marlin Birkholz, Daryl Birkholz, Scott Washburn, Bryce Loeschke. Honorary Pallbearer is Vernon Birkholz who resides at the Northridge Nursing Home in Ortonville, MN. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Memorials preferred. The Wise Family Funeral Home is in charge of Arrangements. To view the memorial video and sign the online guestbook, visit www.wisefamilyfh.com.