Clifford John Tonsfeldt

Clifford John Tonsfeldt, age 101, of Remsen, IA passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Heartland Care Center in Marcus, IA.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Remsen, with the Pastor Alan Cummins officiating. Burial will follow in the Remsen Community Cemetery. Visitation with family present will start at 9 a.m. on Friday at the church in Remsen.  Funeral will be live-streamed at www.fischfh.com.

Cliff was born on September 8, 1922, in rural Remsen, Iowa, the son of August & Mabel (Cook) Tonsfeldt.  Cliff received his education from Le Mars Central High School and graduated in 1940. He then pursued further learning at Iowa State University Winter Ag Short Course. Armed with knowledge and a passion for agriculture, Clifford embarked on a fruitful career in farming that spanned many years. A devoted farmer known for his expertise in breeding Polled Hereford cattle.

On June 2, 1946 he married LaVonne Haack at Remsen, IA.  The couple stayed in the Remsen area where they farmed.  The couple moved into Remsen in 1990.  He officially retired from farming at age 96 but continued to operate the combine for harvest until he was 97 years old.  

Beyond his work on the farm, Clifford had a deep appreciation for football at all levels. He enjoyed spending time watching games and keeping up with the latest developments in the sport. Additionally, he had an avid interest in reading about new farming practices and history. Clifford's hobbies reflected his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and his desire to stay connected to the world around him. 

Cliff was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He served many years on the Remsen-Union School Board.

Clifford is survived by his three sons; Denis (Michele) of Waukesha, WI; Steven (Amy) of Remsen; and David (Lori) of Fairfax, IA. He deeply cherished his role as a father and leaves behind a lasting legacy through his children; nine grandchildren: Scott (Mikaela), Michael (Christina), and Evan Tonsfeldt; Jenny (Larry) Robins; Erik (Lindsey) Tonsfeldt; Anna (Nick) Zak; Jill (Scott) Anderson; Sara (Jason) Olmstead; Kate (Joshua) Becker; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Mercer of Storm Lake, IA; three sisters-in-law, Movylene Haack of Texas, Connie Haack of Marcus, IA, Dee Mulder of Spirit Lake, IA.

He was preceded by his wife LaVonne; two brothers, Murl (Lillian) Tonsfeldt and Wallis Tonsfeldt; one sister, Marion Taylor. 

Casket bearers will be his grandchildren and other relatives.