Clifford R. Modrynski

Clifford R. Modrynski, age 85 of Royalton, MN, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012 at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Royalton with Rev. Greg Tomhave officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00 ~ 7:00 P.M. at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Royalton and Wednesday from 10:00 ~ 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Royalton. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Royalton. Clifford Rodney Modrynski was born October 1, 1926 in Rabey, MN to the late Anton J. & Nora D. (Rasmussen) Modrynski. He grew up in South St. Paul, MN where he attended school. He graduated with a GED from high school. Clifford served in the United States Army for two years. He was then united in marriage to Mabel June Hovland on May 31, 1951 in Wichita Falls, TX. Clifford entered the United States Air Force where he served for 20 years, retiring in 1969 as a Master Sergeant. The couple lived in Japan, North Carolina and California before moving to Royalton, MN where they made their home. After moving to Royalton, Clifford worked at Larson Boats and Metal Craft Roofing and Heating in Little Falls until his retirement in 1973. Clifford's favorite past-times were picking agates, woodworking and going with his wife, Mabel, to McDonald's for their morning coffee. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Steve (Carrie) Modrynski of Royalton, MN, Larry (Kelly) Modrynski of Gettysburg, PA, David (Diane) Modrynski of Lakeville, MN and Julie Modrynski of Little Falls, MN; siblings, Anton (Wilma) Modrynski of South St. Paul, MN, Robert Modrynski of Palm Springs, CA, Joyce (Bruce) Walker of North Branch, MN and Audrey Vandenberg of Brooklyn Park, MN; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Clifford was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mabel, on June 19, 2012; his parents, Anton and Nora Modrynski; sisters, Dorothy Cohoes and Virginia Bagley; brothers, Harry and LeRoy Modrynski.