Clayton Frederick Grabinski

Clayton Frederick Grabinski passed into eternal peace and rest on July 28, 2016.

He was born at his home in Sauk Rapids, Minn., to Edward and Ida Grabinski, the youngest of six. He married Joan Larson on Aug. 24, 1957, and raised his four children and two of his wife's young sisters, Pam and Deb, in Forest Lake, Minn. He moved his family to Lewistown in 1977, where he continued his career in road construction. In 1986, he and his wife moved to Sheridan, Mont., where he lived closer to his brother Lawrence and spent time fishing, hunting and woodworking.

He was a wise and patient man who worked hard for his family. Depending on the season, he always took his family camping, fishing, skiing or hunting. Physically and spiritually strong, he was always a man we looked up to.

In his later years, he spent countless hours creating beautiful pieces of furniture and toys for his children and grandchildren out of cedar he had cut himself. He and Joan spent six years snowbirding between Parker, Ariz., and Billings until his health would not allow. His wife lovingly cared for him for many years.

He was preceded in death by his son, Craig; grandson Derek; Pam; and his four brothers. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children Gary, Vicki Pyette (Mike), Joy Friend (Charlie); daughter-in-law Jackie; Deb Wendell; his sister, Alice Streed; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, 3605 Grand Ave.