Obituary of Dennis A. Clayton

Dennis A. Clayton, 82, of Mora, formerly of Cambridge, passed away on July 2, 2019. 

The tenth time facing death finally got him to move on to his eternal life – Dennis succumbed to tonsil cancer after an almost seven-year battle. From his first day of life, when the doc left him but the midwife believed he’d live, he has been proving to the world that he was not just the “throw away kid.” He has paid that midwife’s faith forward by inspiring and impacting so many people everywhere he went: two successful companies employing and encouraging many employees; two successful water treatment associations still thriving and enhancing their profession; on the Boards of Directors for almost every organization he joined – the Lutheran Church, the golf course, the local airport, politics… If he was involved, he served.

Over the past several months since he decided to let God take over the rest of his journey, people have been lovingly coming out of the woodwork to let him know how much he has meant to them. Thank you to friends and family who have shared his impact back with him. It was a life well lived.

Hailing from Mora & Cambridge, MN plus stints in Arizona, Puerto Rico, Colorado, Alaska, California and Pennsylvania, he was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Cleone; his parents Alfred and Grace Clayton and his brother, Keith. He is survived by his two daughters Denise Cleone Clayton Delahanty (John) and Colleen Dana Anderson (Scott), his brother Larry (Mary), four grandchildren: Connor and Shannon Delahanty, and Nick and Alex Hannah (and their father, Don Hannah), his partner in his final years, the amazing Vonnie Olson; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Memorials preferred to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 411 2^nd St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Memorial Service 11AM, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Cambridge Lutheran Church.  Visitation 5-8 PM, Monday, July 8, 2019 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Cambridge American Legion Post #290.

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