Clarence Craven Jr.

Clarence Craven Jr, age 98, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester. He was born July 30, 1928, to Clarence and Hilda (Gensmer) Craven. Clarence graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947.

Clarence married Mae Crandall on January 11, 1949, in Portland Oregon. They purchased a farm southeast of Lewiston, MN in 1950 where they established their home and lived for 47 years and had 7 sons. In April of 1953 Clarence began employment as a welder at Badger Equipment Company in Winona, MN and spent many years in management positions, retiring in 1993 as their manager of manufacturing. In 1997 they sold their farm and moved to Rochester, Minnesota and spent many enjoyable retirement years traveling and entertaining family and friends.

On January 11, 2026, they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. His steadfast love for his Creator and the Lord Jesus made him a pillar of faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Step Mother Henrietta Craven, 1 son Dale, Granddaughter Sarah Craven, Sister and Brother in Law, Angeline and Thomas Caldie, Sister in Law Nadine Craven.

Clarence is survived by his wife Mae Craven of Rochester and 6 sons, Steve & Sharon, Platteville WI, Glen & Linda, Red Wing MN, Clare & Debbie, Sparta WI, Scott & Deb, Devils Lake ND, Doug & Ardith, Duluth MN, Chris & Mary, Oronoco MN, Sandy Craven, Victoria MN. 18 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 6 step great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and brother Richard Craven, Arlington Heights IL and nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend. Interment will be held at Lewiston Public Cemetery, Lewiston, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Craven family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com