David J. "Dave" Clement

David J. Clement, 82, of St. Cloud, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Born on August 31, 1943, in St. Cloud to Edward “Clyde” and Bernice (Moreau) Clement, Dave served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964. Upon returning home, he worked for 35 years as a technician with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 2001. A dedicated union member, he belonged to CWA Local 7212, serving first as Vice President and then as President for 20 years.

On October 26, 1984, Dave married Marilyn (Waterman) Bettenberg in St. Cloud. Together they shared a loving marriage filled with dancing, traveling, and winters spent at their home in Arizona. Marilyn was the center of his world, and they created a lifetime of cherished memories.

Dave was known for his strong work ethic, his remarkable ability to fix anything, and his readiness to help others. He found joy in farming, restoring John Deere tractors, fishing, golfing, and playing cribbage. Above all, he was a devoted family man who proudly supported his children and grandchildren, cheering at their games, telling stories, and entertaining the little ones with silly songs. He often slipped German phrases into conversation, laughing at the confusion they caused.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of St. Cloud; children, John (Rochell) of St. Cloud, Julie (Judd) Brown of Stillwater, and Jodie (Mark) Johnson of Carlton; step-daughters, Renee Bettenberg (Larry Heberling) of Remer and LeeAnne Bettenberg (Brad Strgar) of Chisholm; siblings, Delores Henderson, Harold (Lou), Jane Gohman, Ralph (Arlene), Don, Art, Bill (Laurie), Jerry (Rita), and Carol (Jim) Gulbranson; sisters-in-law, Adeline and Berta; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bob, Dick, Walter, and Al, and one grandson.