Mark Earl "Paws" Clemenson

Mark “Paws” Clemenson, of Stillwater, passed away unexpectedly. Born and raised in Stillwater, he was a man of steady strength, quiet humor, deep devotion, and a big smile. 

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Earl, and Margaret “Marge” Clemenson; his infant brothe; his sister, Anna Swanson; step daughter-in-law, Dawn Maslowski; and many other family members.

One of his proudest accomplishments was celebrating 53 years of sobriety along with raising six stepchildren as a reflection of the resilience and intention with which he lived his life. Marks parents and sister helped shaped his character, his appreciation for the outdoors, and his lifelong passion for golf. Earl and Marge earned the golf titles Mr. and Mrs. Club Champion; his sister earned the Girls Club Champion. Mark earned multiple club titles, which included Jr Club Champion, Club Champion, and many others. Mark had three holes in ones with the first one at age 14 with his dad. He cherished competing in the Labor Day Shortstop Tournament, where he had three first place finishes and many topflight wins. Mark loved getting together with his parents, sister, and brother-in-law Gene Swanson to play cards and enjoyed eating various homemade sweets. Mark loved time with all of them and especially getting to play and hang out with his Niece Amy and Nephew Ted. He loved getting to be able to be a part of Sam and Max ‘s life enjoying activities, visits, birthday parties, and graduation.

For 29 years, Mark shared his life with the love of his life, Rosie “Rose” Morgan. They built a world of simple joy together that included golfing, bowling, road trips to Arkansas & Branson, playing cribbage, morning coffee, and quiet evenings & weekends sitting on the front porch together and often the kids would join them. Mark surprised Rosie and painted his shoe to match each of the bridesmaid’s dresses. Rosie passed in 2002 from cancer, Mark honored his promise to her by shaving his head in support of her cancer, and his loving tribute continued for the rest of his life.

For 52 years, Mark was a devoted stepfather to Rosie’s six children. He filled their childhood with swimming trips to Square Lake, ice cream at Art’s, fireworks, card games, and car races at Cedar Lake Speedway. As they grew, he celebrated their accomplishments with admiration and pride. His favorite memories with his kids included- playing cribbage and golfing with Larry along with golfing trips to Arkansas. Becoming a grandpa when Linda had her son Michael “Mikie” and they became bonded in a loving way that is indescribable. Watching Lauri get a hole in one surrounded by Leaha & Lanae two weeks after Rosie passed, it is the same hole that Rosie got her hole in one. Mark attended the Miss Stillwater pageant where Leaha was crowned with the title Miss Congeniality. Mark was thrilled with Lanae as she traveled the United States performing with drum & bugle corps and color guards in which she is still involved. It is the strong bond with Lonna, whom he helped raise from a toddler with Rosie, which holds her in a uniquely cherished place in his heart. Their bond strengthened when she named her daughter Morgan Rose after her mom. The Rose family holds a special spot in his heart as he attended many family, reunions, and family functions together with the family. Visiting Fred and Flossie Rose in Hudson was one of the most enjoyable times together, playing cards for pennies and having many extended Rose members come and visit. The kids would climb in the back of the truck to lay down and watch the clouds pass by and would get excited when they drove under the metal Hudson Bridge because then they knew they were in Hudson.

Mark was an extremely proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He delighted in playing cars on the floor and wrestling with them as they jumped, crawled, and stood on their grandpa. There were even horseback rides with him trying to be gentle as a bucking bronco! He enjoyed playing basketball in the driveway. Mark felt so proud showing up for their baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer games and made sure to recognize all their milestones with unwavering support. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought so much joy to Mark when the entire family would gather for birthday parties along with gathering for holidays. Easter dinner and egg hunts, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners and giving the perfect Christmas present for each of them. There were football games watched and celebrated after holiday dinners.

Known affectionately as “Clem,” “Biggie,” “Grandpa Paws,” “Grandpa Mint” and most lovingly “Paws,” his sister Anna gave him the nickname because his hands were so large he could palm a basketball with ease. Mark will always be remembered for his warm smile, kindness, craftsmanship, humor, and the deep love he carried for Rosie and the family they built together with the kids. His steady, gentle light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mark is survived by brother-in-law, Gene Swanson; step-children, Larry Maslowski, Linda Erichsen-Meister, Lauri Johnson (Lonney), Leaha Merchak (Ken), Lanae Maslowski and Lonna Wendorf (Todd); grandchildren, Mike (Lindsey), Mark, Matt (Beth), Ricky (Bella), Benjamin, Maxwell, Kenny, Korajane, Konnor (Kaitlyn), Kollon, Morgan, Madison and Mason; great-grandchildren, Michael, Miles, Maverick, Madelyn, Juniper and Elowyn; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

A celebration of Mark's life will be Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the family.