Clinton “Buzz” Russell Lilyquist

  Clinton “Buzz” Russell Lilyquist, age 87, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at home on his beloved Lake Inguadona, surrounded by his family. Clinton “Buzz” was the son of Walter and Freda (Perlenfein) Lilyquist and was born on October 5, 1935. Buzz was baptized at Salem Lutheran Church, on Lake Inguadona, on March 14, 1936, and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church, in Longville, on June 25, 1950. He was honored to be Salem’s longest living member. Buzz served on the church council, taught Sunday School, lead men’s fellowship, served on the cemetery board, and sang in the choir.

   Buzz graduated from Longville High School in 1954. After working for a time with his brother Marvin’s construction crew, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1958. He was honorable discharged on November 15, 1962. After a stint with Reilly Tar and Chemical Company and Bemus Research, he attended and graduated from Bemidji State College with a B.S. in industrial education in 1965. He earned an MA from Bemidji State University in 1973. On June 16, 1963, he married Marilyn Welk. Buzz taught at Badger High School for two years. In 1967, began a career at Northland High School. He retired in 1993. In addition to teaching, he coached basketball and football, provided driver’s education, and sponsored Magnum 118, a gun club.

   Buzz is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 59 years; daughter, Candace; son, Clinton II “Rusty”; grandchildren, Cody (Sam), Trevor (Ashley), and Tia (Ryan); great grandchildren, Abbie, Olivia, Katelyn, and Jared; two sisters, Janet Brown and Reva (Gary) Bethke; two sisters-in-law, June Lilyquist and LaDonna Lilyquist, many nieces, nephews, and friends; three foreign exchange student daughters, Kim Lucas, Emma Böös, and Kathrin Grube; and five men who he was honored to call his other sons; Layne LaRue, Bill Waterhouse, Dr. Clay Johnston, Robert “Bob” Buroker, and Roy Ludick.

   Buzz was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Alvina Fanth, Lorraine Secora, Muriel Wheeler, Gloria Graham; and brothers, Marvin, Gordon, and Eugene.

   Buzz’s greatest love was for his family and for all of God’s glorious creations. He loved hunting and fishing with his family members and friends. Making two African Safari trips was a highlight of his very busy hunting and fishing schedule. In the fall of 1993, he accompanied his son Rusty on his successful Minnesota moose hunting trip. Later, he accompanied daughter Candace on a successful Montana pronghorn hunt. When he returned, he said, “Marilyn, life doesn’t get better than this.” He was actively engaged in bear baiting on August 21 just prior to the August 24 major surgery. 

   Buzz enjoyed traveling to be with his exchange students in their homelands of Sweden, Denmark/Germany, and Australia. 

   Everyone who knew Buzz loved to hear his stories of adventure and he was known as a man of integrity. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. We as his family, will cherish the memories of the interesting life he provided for us.

   Funeral service for Buzz will be Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at The Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, MN, with a one-hour visitation prior to funeral service. Pastor Trish Jorgenson will officiate. Pallbearers for Buzz will be Cody Lucas, Trevor Lucas, Tia VanderHeyden, Disa Daucsavage, Dara Vanden Bosch, Wendy Stetzer, and Wes Slagle. Honorary pallbearers are Layne LaRue, Bill Waterhouse, Dr. Clay Johnston, Roy Ludick, Bob Buroker, Linda Johnson, Emma Böös, Kim Lucas, and Kathrin Grube. Military Honors will be accorded by the Hackensack American Legion Post #202 Honor Guard and the Longville VFW Honor Guard following the service. Interment will be at a later date and time in Salem Lutheran Cemetery on the shores of Lake Inguadona in Longville, MN. 

   Buzz’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com