Obituary of Clarence E. Niskanen

Clarence E. “Stretch” Niskanen died on February 23 at the age of 94. Loving husband of Monica (Bonemeyer) for 63 years. Loving father of Stephen, Joan (Eric Lang), Paul (Erin Cassidy) and Catherine (Jim Fletter). Loving grandfather of Brennan (Casey Rosen), Connor, Maren, Anja, Arielle, Sabrina, Adam, Noah, and Bianca. Doting great-grandfather of Nora.

Clarence and his wife, Monica, both grew up in Gackle, North Dakota. Clarence lived on the family farm and enjoyed playing baseball with his brothers on the local team where he developed a reputation as a strikeout pitcher. He served in the US Army during the Korean War as a radio operator in the Panama Canal Zone and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University.

Clarence was ever the creative thinker and problem-solver, both in his work as a design engineer and while taking on home projects. Even into his 80s, he was granted a US Patent for the invention of an innovative guitar string attachment system He was a man of living faith, good humor, and sacrificial devotion to his family and others in need. He enjoyed golf, playing guitar, and mechanical tinkering. The family is grateful for the care he received in his final months at Aegis Living, Lynnwood, WA.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. (viewing 10:15-10:45 am) at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 630 7th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Interment follows at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St, Shoreline, WA 98155, at 2:30 p.m..