Clayton Francis Freking, 91, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, formerly of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2016 at his home at The Bridge Assisted Living in Colorado Springs. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars.

Clayton was born on May 16, 1924 in Le Mars, IA, to Aloysius and Anna (Klontz) Freking. He graduated in 1941 from St. Joseph’s High School, Le Mars. He farmed with his parents in southern Sioux County, IA and Iona and Lismore, MN, before moving back to Le Mars in 1957, where he farmed south of town. He retired from farming in 1990 and moved to Mountain Home, AR., where he spent many wonderful days fishing with his brother Al. In 2013, he moved to The Bridge in Colorado Springs, CO.

Clayton was best known for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and charm. With his outgoing personality he was a magnet for all those who knew him—from his nieces and nephews, to his caretakers during his later years. Clayton loved fishing, bowling cross word puzzles, pool and teasing. He worked hard to keep his “girlish” figure, walking every day unless the weather got too bad.

Clayton is survived and lovingly remembered by his sisters Joan Siegrist, Colorado Springs and Betty Merritt (Merle), Parker, CO; his brothers, Duane, Davenport, IA and Al (Melitta), Mountain Home, AR, sister-in-law Donna, 20 nieces and nephews, 22 great-nieces and nephews and five great, great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Everoul and Emmett, brother-in-law, Donald Siegrist, and sisters-in-law, Edna and Mary Ann.

Memorial donations may be made to Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars, IA.

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