A celebration of life, come-and-go gathering, will be Friday September 12 at the Best Western Plus in New Ulm from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. (2101 S Broadway St – New Ulm, MN 56073)

An ennichement service will take place at a later date at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Clell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Hemphill of New Ulm, Minnesota; his daughter, Kim (Tom Schmitz) Hemphill-Schmitz of New Ulm; his son, Brad (Julia) Hemphill of Mesa, Arizona; his grandsons, Dylan (Ericka Carlson) Schmitz of Brainerd, Kelton Schmitz of Fraser, Colorado; and his great-granddaughter, Emberlee Schmitz (Dylan).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Virgil Hemphill.

Clell Len Hemphill was born on March 26, 1934, in Indianola, Iowa, to Virgil and Hazel (Warren) Hemphill. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School in 1952. He attended college for a year, then from 1953 to 1956, Clell proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his service, he attended college at Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), where he met the love of his life, Mary K. Jones. Following their marriage on March 26, 1960, in Burlington Junction Missouri, Clell and Mary spent time in Phoenix Arizona and Downey California, before making their home in Diamond Bar, California, where they welcomed their daughter, Kim, and later their son, Brad. The family eventually moved to Texas, where Clell worked at General Electric. His passion for education led him to return to NWMSU to earn his MBA, after which the family settled in Cherokee, Iowa. There, Clell worked in human resources at the State Hospital and later became Director of the Iowa Council on Disabilities in Des Moines.

In time, Clell and Mary moved to Madison Lake, Minnesota to live on Duck Lake for 25 years. He was the Director of Rasmussen Business College in Mankato for many years. He concluded his career commuting to St. Paul where he served as Director of the Minnesota Council on Disabilities, dedicating his career to advocating for others.

Clell enjoyed being involved in his community of Madison Lake, serving not only on multiple boards and commissions including the Planning Commission, but also as Mayor for multiple terms. A proud veteran, he was a strong supporter of the American Legion, continuing his commitment to those who served. One of Clell’s passions was automobiles. He owned many throughout his life, and one of his many highlights was racing twice on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy and peace on the water, fishing and driving fast boats. His love for fishing grew into a true passion, leading him to compete in numerous semi-pro bass tournaments across the Midwest. He also enjoyed golfing with his grandsons and friends, and keeping up with current events by faithfully reading three newspapers a day. Clell and Mary cherished many winters in Brownsville, Texas, along the Rio Grande River. They also treasured their life on Duck Lake, spending time with family and friends, especially their grandsons. Clell was known to call and ask if Dylan and Kelton could come to the lake, where they have fond memories of fishing and boating with Grandaddy and Gannie.

Clell took pride in his work and in his service to the community, but nothing brought him more happiness than his family, especially his grandsons, who were the light of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to providing for his family, dedication to his community, a quiet strength, and the strong LOVE for his wife Mary. May he be remembered fondly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Legion, the Oak Hills Living Center Foundation, or the donor’s choice.

-mvfh.org

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