Clifford Howard Rastedt

Cliff was born November 30, 1921, in Fargo, North Dakota. He married Elda Faye Souers of Moorehead, Minnesota in 1947. They had three children: Dana, Marshall (Tom) and Barbara. He was a man of many talents who worked as a bus driver for the City of Fargo, a typesetter for the Fargo Forum, and a route driver delivering milk (in temperatures, as everyone was often reminded, as low as 40 below). In 1955 the family of four (with one on the way) moved to Los Angeles, California, and later settled in Norwalk. He quickly found employment with the Gardenia Cheese Company, of Southgate, as a Route Salesman. An industrious man with a strong German discipline, Cliff worked his way up to foreman, and spent two nights each week traveling to the growing city of San Diego to build a new territory. After many years, his efforts were rewarded with a promotion to District Manager requiring the family to relocate to the suburb of El Cajon. He purchased a Foster Freeze franchise in Chula Vista and was able to fulfill an entrepreneurial desire to own his own business. He built this enterprise, resold it, and then moved toward retirement. He and Faye divided their time between winters in the high desert of Hesperia, California, traveling the United States and Canada in their truck and camping trailer, and summers at his beloved Spirit Lake, Vergas, Minnesota. Cliff and Faye enjoyed good times at the lake, which included many breakfasts at the Loon’s Nest (especially in the coveted first booth), square dance, cards, visits with friends, and treasured family reunions. Their place on Spirit Lake, once part of the old Fredholm Farm, where Faye had been coming with her family since childhood, became a place of sanctuary for the entire family.

After Faye’s passing in 1996, Cliff moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, for the winters while traveling “home” to the lake in the summer. In 2008 he moved to Bakersfield, California, to be near his son, Tom, and his family.

His favorite pastime was gardening and he was known for his park-like yards and the impeccable upkeep of his home. He had an avid interest in sports, but of particular note, he was a diehard Lakers fan who enjoyed watching many basketball games. Cliff was disciplined, meant what he said, and expected the same from others. He was a devoted husband and father, and a man of integrity you could trust and depend on.

Survivors include: Dana and Nita Rastedt, Erhard, MN; Marshall (Tom) and Bennie Rastedt, Bakersfield, CA; Jerry and Barbara (Rastedt) Thurman, Clovis, NM; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2011 at Spirit Lake, a place where Cliff spent many of his happiest days; date and time to be announced. At that time, his ashes will be spread over the lake as he requested.