Bert McClain

Bert A. McClain, age 88 of Lakefield, Minnesota, entered into rest on Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society in Windom. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00, on Saturday, October 30, 2021, with a Memorial service at 11:00 a.m., at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield, with Pastor Andrew Schensted officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the Lakefield American Legion Post. Burial will take place at a later date, at Dakota City Cemetery in Parkston, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.

Bert Allen McClain, son of Lawrence and Loah (Burroughs) McClain, was born on Wednesday, October 11, 1933, in Parkston, South Dakota. He attended and graduated from Parkston High School. Upon graduation, Bert enlisted into the United States Army, as a Paratrooper with Company K of the 188th Airborne Infantry in 1954. Bert proudly served his country for 2 years, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and his Parachutist Badge. He was united in marriage to Marlene Boddicker on June 13, 1959, in Dimock, South Dakota. This union was blessed with three children JoLynn, Gail and Gene.  Bert managed the mowing of the Parkston cemetery for over 20 years, he also farmed and hauled milk for a few years, before becoming the elevator manager at Parkston Coop. In 1973, the family moved to Lakefield where they made their forever home. Bert was the Feed Mill Manager at the Lakefield Farmers Coop for many years. His last few years before retirement, Bert worked at Nutripro in Worthington. Bert was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield. On Monday, October 25, 2021, Bert was called home to his Lord and Savior at the age of 88 years and 14 days.

Bert loved fiercely and touched many hearts during his long life. He was a presence in town that was known to many. He was a man of great faith and had a favorite pew that he sat in regularly on Sunday mornings. Bert was a member of the local Lion’s Club, Elks Club, an EMT on the Lakefield Ambulance, and a firefighter. He was a gifted woodworker and took pride in teaching his grandchildren this trade as well. For many years, Bert made the baptismal chests, crosses, and scrolls for the church. He also made the name plates for the local bank. When he wasn’t working on these projects, Bert could be found riding around town on his scooter, mowing yards and tilling gardens. Bert was an avid fisherman and loved to take the grandchildren out on fishing adventures. He also enjoyed camping, waterskiing, and anything that brough him outdoors. He was especially fond of spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bert had a knack for fixing kites and was known as the “Kite Doctor” at the annual Kite Fly. He has left behind him a lifetime of memories and love to cherish by all who knew him.

Bert is survived by his daughter Jolynn (Kelly) Krogstad, son’s Gail McClain, and Gene (Patty) McClain; grandchildren Jordan (Steffanie) St. Clair, Tanner (Jessica) McClain; Tyson (Shelby) McClain, Andrew St. Clair, Rhett McClain and Kiyra McClain; step-grandchildren Jordan Krogstad, and Miranda Krogstad; great-grandchildren Charlie, Kaleb, Jameson, and Kaitlynn; sister’s Nona Dean and Beverly Handel; and eight nieces and nephews.

Bert is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Marlene, parents Lawrence and Loah, brothers in law: Kenny and Don, and special friend Louise Hansmann.

Blessed be the memory of Bert Allen McClain. 

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