Carlton Mennis

December 29, 1929 - January 5, 2013

Carlton Millard Mennis was born on December 29, 1929 in Litchville Township, near Kathryn, ND. He was the son of Oscar and Ida (Sand) Mennis. Carlton attended rural school and farmed with his father. On September 11, 1951, he was drafted into the US Army. He served in Japan during the Korean Conflict until being honorably discharged, August 12, 1953. When he returned to the US, he drove gravel truck for LaMoure County while continuing to farm. On June 2, 1957, Carlton married Phyllis Graalum at Nordheim Lutheran Church, Kathryn, ND. They made their home on the family farm, becoming the third generation to farm the homestead. In 2000, they retired and in June 2010, moved to Valley City, ND. Carlton loved animals, especially his cattle. He enjoyed watching the young calves grow. He took great pride in his farm and being able to take care of the soil and provide for his family. He was a life long member of North LaMoure Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He belonged to the Litchville VFW and a member of Farmers Union. Carlton began playing accordion as a young man and continued throughout his life. He enjoyed sharing this talent with family and friends. He was, and will be remembered for being a caring, honest man. Carlton M. Mennis, 83, Valley City, ND died January 5, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Valley City. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; sons, Steve (Mindy) of Jamestown, ND and Brian of Wahpeton, ND; daughters, Diane (Gary) Sommerfeld of Valley City and Stacey (David) Klemisch of Fargo, ND; 12 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gordon.