Obituaries
Information
- Name:
- Clyde Schreckendgust, Jr.
- Date of Death:
- Feb 5, 2012
- Category:
- Current Obituaries
FLORENCE – Success! Born in the northeast bedroom of our Carlton Ranch on March 16, 1923, to parents who were graduate teacher as well as teamster horsemanship and quite affluent doing the heavy equipment jobs of the frontier – they expected no less from us kids.
The Florence Grange bought the church property from the Methodist Church. Brother J.G. and I sealed cracks and painted to save the Florence-Carlton Community Church for future generations.
Our lifestyle was a thrashing machine, hay baler, sawmill, earth plow, as well as putting up neighbor’s quantity of hay for wintering their stock. Moved to Ovando area in 1929 and operated a 60-horse dude ranch which fell by the way in the 1929 Banker’s Crash (Black Friday). Our clients from Elmira, N.Y., only had enough money to get home in their brand new Lincoln automobile.
Broke down to five acres, one cow and chicken coop on land adjoining the Florence-Carlton School we finished our education to grade 12. Our life was school, milking cows, feeding chickens, raising gardens. Didn’t know poverty was invented so we survived with what we had.
A growing family in need of putting five kids to work towards a good end, we purchased the Holloway Ranch west of Florence in 1938.
Was determined that I stay on the ranch with mother and dad but the draft board (Art Olsen and Joe Schrage) felt the Mexican Nationals from the ghettos of Mexico were better field hands. In World War II military, received an education from the U.S. Army on how to kill the mostest the fastest with no civilian application to that education.
Got left behind from my 43rd Infantry Division and had to put the rest of my drafted time in unloading ships in Yokohama Harbor, Japan. Served my country from 1943-1946 – Honorable Discharge. Came home due to my mother dying of cancer and to see her and my dad out to heaven from the ranch they loved.
Did the grunt work installing the Florence Bridge. Invented the Florence Volunteer Fire Department in 1950. Invented the Ravalli County Civil Defense Radiation Office in 1960. In on Boy Scouts and Lions Club from scratch. Community service was the “norm” for that time – “good” jobs for no money – guess I was “good for nothin’.”
A learned steward of His Earth.
Bought my brother’s and sister’s interest in land in 1962 and put an airstrip (3,000 feet) on the nation’s maps at Florence.
With the help of the Trenk family, constructed the supermarket and then proceeded to put a K-12 education church facility at Florence.
Offered the Florence-Carlton School 10 acres in adjoining land for a total of $1,500 and was turned down as “gouging the school district.”
Then put in a subdivision, fully FHA approved, and offered to build a complete classroom out of metal from U.S. Steel—was turned down by the Florence-Carlton School District.
Gave the Florence-Carlton School over 10 acres on adjacent land. At over $1 million, am the biggest taxpayer in the school district.
In 1973, brought Tarentaise cattle to the U.S. Best damn burger on 4 feet!
Forced to sell vacant land because of the tax load – traded land for truck terminals in Washington state, thus becoming involved in the West Coast trucking business.
Instrumental in bringing Farmers State Bank to Florence.
Married Eleanor Warner Whitaker and lost her at 30 years. Lived in both Florence and Palm Harbor, Fla.
Most recently, put in the business strip along Old Highway 93 between the school and IGA Store and the Florence Post Office as you see it now.
Penned “Bob Wire and Fence Posts” memoirs.
Predeceased by parents Clyde and Helen Schreckendgust; brothers J.G., Sam, Cal; sister Helen; and beloved wife, Eleanor.
Survivors are stepsons Ray, John and Bill; numerous nieces and nephews, including beloved niece Valerie; and cockatiel Joy.
You too could be successful if you worked a 16-hour day, gave free public service, took care of your parents and saw that they had a good life.
Per Clyde’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at the Florence-Carlton Church and placement of his urn will be in the Carlton Cemetery with his family members at a later date. The date and time will be announced by Whitesitt Funeral Home.
Condolence Messages
On one visit to Uncle Clyde and Elie at their winter lake home in Florida, Clyde prepared his famous oatmeal for breakfast. When the leftovers had cooled, Clyde threw the oatmeal near the boat dock for the birds. A big pelican swooped onto the oatmeal remains and tried to break a piece free. After unsuccessfully pecking at the lump for awhile, the bird grabbed it with his beak, and flung it high into the air and into his open, gaping mouth. “Wow Clyde”, I said, “even the birds like your oatmeal!”
Our Uncle Clyde will be deeply and sorely missed. Quote
I loved this wisdom and use it in my life and in my classroom. Toward the beginning of each school year I write on the board,
“You may not like me but that doesn't mean we can't be friends.
(Clyde Schreckendgust) ”
After a discussion, the kids understand, as I did, that there is a basic goodwill we all need to share, regardless. This truth sticks with my class during the school year, as it has stuck with me for decades now.
For my entire life, Uncle Clyde was a presence for me. I will miss that presence, his love of me and his family, and his ability to use words that needed to be said. Quote
It is true, Clyde had no children born to him, but this gentle man treated Elie’s kids as if they had been. Our children, who knew him as and call him “Grandpa”, will always miss and love their Grandpa (Great-Grandpa) and his loving smiles.
I am thankful to have been Clyde’s daughter-in-law. I feel blessed that he trusted me and my husband enough to share his final desires with us and will always honor his most dear and private last wishes.
I love you Clyde. Happy trails to you, until we meet again…… Quote