November 16, 1930 - February 22, 2025
A funeral service for Cletus Zwiefel of Algona, formerly of Burt, will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Algona First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at the church on Thursday. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Algona.
Cletus Lavan Zwiefel, son of Glenn and Myrtle (Householder) Zwiefel, was born Nov. 16, 1930, on a farm south of Lone Rock. The family moved to a farm east of Algona where he attended country school. He finished his education at Titonka High School. He loved farming and spent most of his spare time helping on the family farm.
Following high school, Clete worked in Ventura, Calif. in the oil fields for several years. He then moved back to the area and met Darlene Thilges. They were united in marriage on June 26, 1951, at St. Joe. They lived and farmed east of Titonka, then near Woden, and later returned to living and farming the family farm near Burt. They had five children; Roberta, Sandra, Gerald, Marlene and Renee.
Clete was a farmer at heart, continuing to help his son and grandson with field work and hay bailing throughout his entire life. He enjoyed raising livestock and was an Oliver tractor enthusiast. Clete was a longtime member of the Seneca Saddle Club. He enjoyed attending rodeos and watching his grandsons compete. He was an avid reader of books and enjoyed keeping up with the news. He also loved to camp and trail ride and go on fishing trips. He and Darlene loved to travel throughout the United States and into Mexico. For a period of time, they drove motor homes for Winnebago Industries.
Most of all, Clete was a wonderful father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time together. He loved to visit and spend time with his brother Gary, and the two of them enjoyed many good times together. His loving presence, keen mind and sharing of memories will be very missed.
Clete died Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Kossuth Regional Health Center at the age of 94.
Clete is survived by his children: Roberta (Tracy) Olson, of Oak Grove, Minn., Sandra (Calvin) Boekelman of Algona, Gerald (Laura) Zwiefel of Burt, Marlene (Rick) Harang of Leland and Renee (Kevin) Bormann of Algona; his 11 grandchildren, Kelsey Olson of Oak Grove, Minn., Stacy (Kalie) Boekelman of Arnegard, N.D., Lisa (Tony) DeGroot of Remsen, Miranda (TJ) Ruland of Wall, S.D., Jace (Hope) Boekelman of Titonka, Ashley (Mike) Van Hill of Hartford, S.D., Justin (Annie) Zwiefel of Burt, Jillian (Nathan) Van Epps of Britt, Jordan (Megan) Harang of Leland, Malorie (Garrett) Liss of Algona and Trevor Bormann of Whittemore; and 26 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers Gary Zwiefel of Titonka and Brian (Donna) Zwiefel of Algona; a sister Patsy Mugan of Fargo, N.D.; and many special nieces and nephews.
Clete was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene on July 31, 2002; his parents, Glen and Myrtle Zwiefel; brothers Donald Zwiefel and his wife Carol; Merrill Zwiefel and his wife Phyllis; a sister-in-law Thelma Zwiefel; and a brother-in-law, Don Mugan.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.