Wilber J. Athey

Wilber J. Athey, 82, Clinton, MN, died Sunday, February 19, 2012, at his home in rural Clinton.
Funeral services were Thursday, February 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Holden Lutheran Church in rural Beardsley, MN, with Minister Bev McNeill officiating. Music was provided by organist Renee Schwagerl and vocalists Sue Sykora and Stacey Borgheiinck.
Burial was in the Clinton City Cemetery, Clinton. Military honors were provided by the August Altheide American Legion Post 302 of Beardsley. Pallbearers were Paul Juen, Bud Anderson, Charles Athey, Edward Athey, Wade Athey, Leland Nelson, Darrell Swihart, and Jeff Athey.
Visitation was Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Visitation continued Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Wilber John Athey was born September 20, 1929, in Foster Township, Big Stone County, MN, to Chalmer and Eleanor (Carlson) Athey. He was baptized in Foster Township. He attended country school through the eighth grade at Sunnyside School in Foster Township. After finishing school, Wilber farmed, did custom baling and corn shelling. He also did snow removal in Beardsley, MN. On February 12, 1953, Wilber enlisted in the U.S. Army. While in the Army he was selected as one of three that were chosen out of 100 candidates in the Transportation Corps. He was honorably discharged May 20, 1954, after the death of his father.
On November 20, 1954, Wilber married Deloris Anderson in Swan Lake Township, Stevens County, MN. During their marriage, they lived and farmed in the Beardsley area. They also milked cows for 39 years and were still actively farming.
Wilber was a member of the August Altheide American Legion Post 302 of Beardsley. He served as chairman of the Foster Township Board since 1969. He was also on the Land of Lakes Creamery Board in Browns Valley.
Wilber enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and being a prankster.
Survivors include his wife, Deloris of rural Clinton; nine children, John (Kathy) Athey of Hutchinson, MN, David Athey of Milbank, SD, Yvonne Sigler of Clinton, Laura (Dan) Hagelin of Beardsley, Daniel (Patty) Athey of Morris, MN, Benjamin Athey of Beardsley, Elizabeth Athey and husband Bill Combellick of Chokio, MN, Loretta Buhl of Clinton, and Jesse (Candace) Athey of Hutchinson; 32 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Wayne (Charlotte) Athey of Graceville, MN; two sisters, Betty Stielow of Graceville and Susie (Jerome) Nelson of Beardsley; an aunt, Ruth Van Hale of Graceville; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Melanie Borgheiinck, David DiNatale and Tim Kosbab.
Wilber was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Joseph; three brothers, Wesley, Francis, and Donald; and two sisters Esther and Lorraine.