Clarence H. Baalson

Rev. Clarence Henry Baalson, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at MercyOne Hospital of Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City, Iowa. Pastor Dan Gerrietts will officiate. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Immanuel Cemetery in Scarville, Iowa, following a luncheon at Trinity. Memorials in Clarence’s honor may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa), or Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa). To watch Rev. Clarence's service, click here: Clarence's service.

Clarence was born on July 1, 1933 in St. Paul, MN, to Rev. E.O. and Dora Baalson. He had the blessing of sharing the middle child status with his twin sister, Clarice. He graduated from Waterville High School (Iowa), and from Luther College, and Wartburg Theological Seminary. He was gratified that he could fully fund his college and seminary expenses, through a thriving hay baling business. While at Luther, he met Donna Christianson, and they later would marry at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville, in 1958.

In 1961, Clarence was ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church. He served as a minister in Bellflower CA, Gilead/Hubbell NE, Albion NE, Emmons MN, and Bessie OK. In retirement, Rev. Baalson continued to minister as an interim pastor, for several congregations in North Iowa, until age 81.

In addition to his ministerial duties, Rev. Baalson committed time to serve as chairman of the board at the Martin Luther Home, in Beatrice NE. He was also chairman of the Albion Ministerial Association, and also served on the planning committee for the Boone County NE Centennial Celebration.

Clarence had many interests and hobbies. During his time in Nebraska, he earned his pilot license, and enjoyed flying his family around in a small, single-engine Cessna airplane. He enjoyed photography, taking pictures and developing the negatives and printing them. He also enjoyed organizing youth outings, particularly roller skating and skiing. Clarence and Donna enjoyed traveling to Norway, Germany, and many other destinations. Clarence was an avid fan of his children and grandchildren’s activities. In his later years, he developed a passion for wood carving, crafting many beautiful keepsakes that will be treasured by family and friends. And of course, fishing. Whether he was reeling them in himself, or just baiting the hook and removing the catch for someone else…he loved every minute.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Donna (Christianson) Baalson, of 67 years; his children Bradley (Gayle) Baalson of Clear Lake, IA; Christine (Ronald) Biediger of Houston, TX; and Jonathan (Denise) Baalson of Houston, TX; grandchildren Michael Biediger, Stephanie (Chris) Gloor, Kiersten Baalson, Jacob Baalson, and Haley Baalson; great-grandchildren Zakk Villarreal, Kaylin Biediger, and Mackenzie Gloor. Also survived by his sister, Marilyn Baalson, and sister-in-law, Ethel Christianson.

Preceded in death by parents, Rev E.O. and Dora Baalson, step-mother Alma Baalson; sister Eilene (Rev. Emmett) Busch; sister Clarice (Latrelle) Smoot; sister Doris Elmira Baalson (died age 10 days); brother-in-law Gordon (Agnes) Christianson, and brother-in-law Paul Christianson.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Apple Valley Place in Clear Lake. Your care and compassion during this difficult time will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank all of our family and friends for your care and support.

God bless his life of dedicated service and devotion and love.