Clarence J Backstrom, 92
Clarence J Backstrom 1918-2010. Clarence “Dad” Backstrom passed away peacefully at his home October 10, 2010. He was 92. Clarence was born and raised in Cannon Township, Lake Bronson, Minnesota. Clarence had four brothers and one sister. He attended a one room country school, where grades one through eight were taught. He attended High School in Lancaster. He was confirmed at the Union Church in Lake Bronson. On October 25th 1947 he married the love of his life Joyce (Berg). They were married 61 years. They lived on Clarence’s Grandfather’s farm and worked morning, noon and night, 365 days a year. They had a diversified operation with beef and dairy cattle, sheep, chickens, hogs and grain farming. They continued to farm until 1956.
In November 1956, they moved to Long Beach, Ca. Clarence went to work at Douglas Aircraft as a mechanic retiring in 1983.
He was active with his family in Indian guides, Long Beach Little League, his church University Lutheran (Hope Community) where he has been a member for 52 years. And with his wealth of information he could fix anything you put in front of him. One of his family’s favorite memories, are Clarence’s life stories. Clarence could capture an audience immediately just by saying, “I remember”…..or the times he would pull out his harmonica or guitar for he truly loved music.
Clarence and Joyce had an “Open Door” policy. They loved to visit, with family and friends. There was always a cup of coffee, cookies, cake or a sandwich before you left.
Clarence was proud of his 20 grandchildren and their spouses, five great grand-children and many nieces and nephews.
Clarence is survived by his children, Craig and Wendee Backstrom, Bryan and Lori Backstrom, Neil Backstrom, Kirk Backstrom, Joy and Jon Anderson, and brother, Harold Backstrom.
Clarence was preceded by his loving wife Joyce, son Dana and Grandson Carl.
“Dad” will be greatly missed, he left us with this thought “as our offspring’s
go through life, my one advice is don’t lose touch with each other because there is nothing like family. Love and help each other. Friends are great but in the time of need there’s nothing like family “
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Forest Lawn in Cypress from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Services will be held Monday, October18th at 12 p.m. at Hope Community Church ,1429 Clark Ave., Long Beach, Ca. Interment following at 3:30 pm Forest Lawn,4471 Lincoln Ave in Cypress. In Lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’
