Clarence Joseph "C.J." Spartz

June 6, 1922 - October 28, 2018

Obituary for Clarence Joseph "C.J." Spartz

Clarence Joseph “C.J.” Spartz, 96, of Osseo, born June 6, 1922, in Clark, South Dakota, entered into eternal life on Oct. 28, 2018, surrounded by his beloved family. C.J. loved every minute of life, making friends wherever he went. Dynamic and optimistic, his character was shaped growing up on a farm on the Great Plains during the dust bowls, drought and Great Depression. His family lost everything, but through the tough times, C.J. learned resiliency, compassion, how to fix anything and how to make something out of nothing. He also developed an unmatched work ethic.

C.J. was a journeyman carpenter when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, and trained as an aviation metalsmith at vocational school in Chicago. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia, where he survived the Sept. 17, 1943, explosion when 24 depth charges accidentally detonated. Hundreds of servicemen and civilians were injured or killed, including the first member of the WAVES to die in the line of duty in WWII. C.J. had spoken to her moments before the blast. He lost part of his hearing from the explosion but jumped into action administering aid to wounded and fallen soldiers. C.J. received a special commendation for his service that day, saving the life of a fellow comrade who lost his leg in the explosion.

After the service, C.J. worked as a carpenter/building contractor, marrying his soulmate Dorothy “Kim” Kimler in 1949. They raised seven children, making some of their best memories on a hobby farm outside of Osseo. The door and dinner table were always open to family and friends—and there were many. C.J. and Kim were active members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Osseo, St. Walburga Catholic Church in Fletcher, and the Osseo American Legion. C.J. was a lifetime member of the Carpenters Union, and he was awarded lifetime membership in the American Legion. In 1967 C.J. and fellow Legionnaires constructed a new Legion building. C.J. served as building chairman, commander, bingo chairman and blood donation chairman. A family man, C.J. was dedicated to his wife, family, church, community, and country.

Preceded in death by wife, Kim; son, Chuck; infant twins, Thomas and Jerald; parents, Henry and Frances Spartz; brothers, Elmer, Herb and Donald “Jim.”

Survived by sons, Patrick (Kathleen) Spartz and Paul Spartz; daughters, Margaret (Marvin) Langston, Andrea Spartz, Sharon Spartz, and Mary Kay (Jim) Reistad; grandchildren, Dan (Amanda) Spartz, Tara (Judah) Dueck, Tim (Michelle) Spartz, and Jimmy Reistad; great-grandchildren, Ava, Dorothy and Anna Dueck, Abe, Joey, Hadley and Owen Spartz; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd Street NE, Osseo, MN, on Wed. Nov. 7, 2018, from 4-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN, on Thurs., Nov. 8, 2018, at 11 a.m. with a visitation at 10 a.m.

Special thanks to the VA, VA and North Hospice and staff of Good Samaritan Society in Robbinsdale, who provided care for C.J.

Memorials preferred to the Good Samaritan Society; blood donations to the VA, if you are able.

Visitation

Wednesday, November 7th
4-8 PM

Evans-Nordby Funeral Home
34 2nd St. NE
Osseo, MN

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Mass of Christian Burial with Visitation at Church 1 hour prior to Mass

Thursday, November 8th
10-11 AM Visitation and 11 AM Mass

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
9100 93rd Ave.N.
Brooklyn Park, MN

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Interment

Thursday, November 8th

St. Vincent's Cemetery

Osseo, MN 55369

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It is a place of compassion, sincerity, professionalism, and staff who go above and beyond their call of duty. Our family has sadly used both chapels over the past months. The caring did not stop after the services. They offer their continued compassion to adults and children. With grateful hearts thank you.

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