Clayton Kjerstad Obituary

Clayton Keith Kjerstad was born to Konrad and Mary Jean (Winkowitsch) on September 18, 1950 in Rapid City. He grew up on the family farm/ranch in Quinn. He attended grade school at the Hidden Valley Country School and he graduated from Wall High School in 1968; where he played football, basketball and track. He was a member of the high school 440 yard relay team and they still hold the school record. After graduating high school, Clayton spent one semester at SDSU, Brookings, SD. Then he went to BHSU, Spearfish, where he attended 2 ½ years of college; while working at the Homestake Gold Mine with his best friend, Steve McDonnell.

Clayton married Charlene Ramsey of Philip, on June 23, 1973. They spent their first 9 months living with Clayton's family; while Clayton dug a basement and added an addition to the little house on the Briggs Place, where they made their home in February 1974. Clayton had worked for Estes Brothers Construction the previous year and used his carpentry skills building their home with the help of his friends and neighbors.

Clayton and Charlene's first son, Allen Thomas was stillborn on April 10, 1975. Charlene drove and worked in Philip, at the First National Bank until daughter, Rachel Day was born November 5, 1976. Then Charlene became Clayton’s right hand- being involved in all the farming and ranching endeavors. Later, son, Brennan Jerome was born July 27, 1978, son, Jordon Charles was born April 25, 1981, son, Conrad Clayton was born January 4, 1987 and daughter, Muriel Marjorie was born January 20, 1989. Clayton's children were the most important part of his life. He was proud of them and loved all of them very much.

Clayton and Charlene rented their first land and started farming in 1973. He acquired land and expanded continuously in hopes he could give his children opportunities to return to the farm/ranch. Clayton was also a great steward and cherished all the land he was able to acquire. Starting in 2002 Clayton’s kids started moving home to join the operation. Clayton was heavily involved in all the major decisions but assigned the majority of the decisions to his children for them to gain experience. Brennan came home after graduating college from SDSU. In 2006, Jordon graduated from BHSU and moved home. In 1994 with the growing family and all the trips driving back and forth to school in Wall, Clayton bought Charlene a lot in the Shearer Addition, and started the process of building her a new home. After 22 years living on the home place the family moved into their new home in Wall, May of 1995- just before Rachel graduated from high school. In 2011 Conrad came home after graduating.

Clayton was so proud that his five children all graduated college and chose to move back home. It was his idea to start a beauty shop in Wall so Rachel could have her own business and be back near the family. Clayton was proud and happy when Rachel married Darin Buhmann and he joined the family operation. Can't forget Muriel, she graduated from BHSU with an elementary education teaching degree. She’s always been part of the busy times with helping the family harvest and helping with the cattle operation. Clayton was elated and relieved when Muriel met and married Jeremy Nehl. Muriel’s the only kid of Clayton’s who hasn’t made it back to the farm/ranch. He knew after his daughters’ marriages that his girls would be taken care of; so he wouldn't have to worry about them too much.

The highlights of Clayton's life were his children and their activities. First, he and Charlene coached baseball for a few years in the middle of their busiest work season. They traveled to other states to watch their kids participate in AAU track and wrestling besides the school sporting events. They especially enjoyed all the SDSU football games that Brennan & Conrad played in during their college days. They regretted missing some of Brennan's games as Jordon, Conrad, and Muriel were still in school in Wall and Brennan was in Brookings. They were able to attend all of Conrad's SDSU games and even traveled with the team to the out of state games. Those were some of their greatest trips. He also enjoyed listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio whenever he could.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charlene; daughter, Rachel Buhmann and her husband, Darin and their children, Bria Beatrice, Breckin Keith and Chessa Char; son, Brennan and his wife, Laurie and their children, Austan Jerome, Lexi Ann, Westan Roger, and Daltan Clayton; son Jordon and his wife, Rachel and their children, Kyler Christopher, Karmyn Charlene, Karley Catherine, Kacy Claudia, and Katelynn Charlotte; son, Conrad and his wife Kalie and their sons, Carsten Clayton, Rush Stanley, and Avin John all of Wall; daughter, Muriel Nehl and her husband, Jeremy Nehl, Rapid City; his mother, Mary Jean Kjerstad, Aunt Marjorie Winkowitsch, Quinn; brother, Vergil and Judy Kjerstad, Rapid City; sisters, Sandra and Tom Ehle, Duluth, MN; Debra and Lee Neville, Rapid City; Twila Kjerstad, Quinn; Sherri and Dave Forman, Austin, MN; Sharla and Gerald Julson, Quinn; mother in law, Beatrice (Bea) Ramsey, Spearfish; sister in laws: Claudette & Dick Raczuk, Lake Havasu, AZ; Cindy & Steven Severson, Rapid City; Cleo & Peter Rowe, Spearfish; Candee & John Kitterman, Wall; Cathy Johnson, Rapid City; brothers in law; Claude Ramsey, Spearfish; Casey (Louisa) Ramsey, Blair NE; and Clay Ramsey, Rapid City; aunt Evelyn Kjerstad, Rapid City; aunt Vera and Dennis Bachman, CA; plus numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Clayton was preceded in death by a son Allen Kjerstad; his father Konrad Kjerstad; and his father-in-law Charles Ramsey.

A memorial has been established.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.

Memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 7, at the United Methodist Church in Wall with Pastor Russell Masartis officiating.

Guest Book

Our thoughts and prayers.
~ Josh and Kim Cuppy Baker MT (9/5/2018)

Charlene and beautiful family!
We were so saddened by hearing of Clayton death, our prayers are sincerely with you, your children, grandchildren, & all of the family. God has truly blessed you!
~ Trudye & Dan Fosness Sioux Falls (9/7/2018)

Charlene and Family. I am so sorry to hear about Clayton. My thoughts and prayer are with you!
~ Carolyn Thompson Rapid City, SD (9/12/2018)

Charlene and families. I am so sorry for your loss of Clayton. My thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family at this time of sorrow.
~ Susan (Schulz) Hoyme Sioux Falls, SD (9/8/2018)

Dear Charlene & Family,
Our sincere and deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers, now and always.
~ Jeff & Kelly Penticoff Philip, SD (9/4/2018)

To Charlene and family. My condolences and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. Clayton was a nice guy and he will be missed. Take care and God bless you all.
~ Diana (Krausert) Owen CO (9/8/2018)

Charlene and family, We are thinking of all you folks during this difficult time. Hold on to all the memories. Take care of each other.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (9/5/2018)

Dear Charlene and family,
Our sympathies and prayers, so very sorry to hear of Claytons passing.
Just know you are all in the hearts of so many of us.
~ Glenn and Rita O'Connell Philip (9/5/2018)

I was saddened by the news of Clayton's passing. I have many fond memories over the years of Clayton. One of my most memorable was being his and Steve's sidekick while they were constructing their hay bale pyramid. That is where Clayton taught me to tie my shoes because he got tired of doing it for me. I can still remember the patience he had with me.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this time.
Rest in Peace Clayton and you will always be remembered with a smile in my heart.
~ Lea (Willuweit) Ymker Armour SD (9/6/2018)

My thoughts are with you all. Clayton was a great brother to my mom and it gave me great comfort that she had him to talk to.
~ Amanda Neville Rapid city (9/4/2018)

Charlene and family, we were sorry to hear of the loss of Clayton. Hope that the many prayers and blessings to you all help heal the loss and knowing he is in a better place and pain free. We will be out of town but wanted you all to know we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. A good neighbor will be missed.
~ Glen and Rose Bennett Philip, SD (9/5/2018)

My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (9/4/2018)

So very sorry for your loss prayers for you and your family
~ Diane Engelson Battle Mountain Nevada (9/8/2018)

Charlene and families, We are sorry to hear of Clayton's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Jackie and Tom Wall (9/4/2018)

Praying for you all
~ Bob and Vonna Johnson Rapid City. So. Dak (9/4/2018)

Healing heart thoughts and prayers for the loss of our dear friend. God Bless and Heal us all from the heartbreaking news! Love to all; Kay Johnston
~ Kay Johnston Hermosa, SD (9/5/2018)

Carlene and family. We send our deepest sympathy to you all. God bless
~ Catherine& Leslie Williams Lincoln Ne. (9/4/2018)

My thoughts & prayers to you all from KS.
~ Aaron, Emily, Ivy & Thomas Kitterman Bel Aire, KS (9/5/2018)

Charlene and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler Philip, SD (9/4/2018)

Charlene and family, heartfelt sympathy to all of you on the loss of Clayton. Know you are in our thoughts & prayers. Lots of memories of watching our kids play sports against and with one another. He has prepared you to carry on and take care of mom. Charlene, love and miss you!!
~ Barb Petoske Sioux Falls, SD (9/4/2018)

Prayers are with all of you.
~ Tonya Matt Sioux Falls, SD (9/13/2018)

So sorry to hear of your family's great loss. I always had such pleasant encounters with Clayton and know his children looked up to him greatly. You are all in my family's thoughts and prayers.
-Amber Schumacher (Huether) and family.
~ ambermarie.design@gmail.com Rapid City, SD (9/6/2018)

Charlene & Family
Sorry to hear of Clayton's death. We had lots fun in high school at the games and carnivals. Will miss you my friend. God bless your family and our prayers are with you . RIP Clayton see you later my friend.
~ Van & Cathy Simpfenderfer (9/5/2018)

Charlene, we are sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
~ Alvin, Janet, and Linda Anderson Wayne, NE (9/4/2018)

My condolences to Charlene and family. Lots of good memories of Clayton from High School and Black Hills State. Hugs to the family!
~ Sharon Sundquist Culbertson Spearfish (9/6/2018)

We are sorry to hear about your loss of Clayton. We are praying for peace & comfort in you at this time. Cherish every happy memory & keep them close.
~ Lee, Nicole& Victor Dennis Philip (9/6/2018)

One can only think of Clayton with a smile. Such a good, kind, man, with a big heart and great sense of humor. A classmate and friend that I will always cherish knowing. You will be missed my friend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Cherry Denke Quinn, SD (9/6/2018)

Our deepest sympathies to all the families of Clayton. We are sending a prayer that God will give you comfort now and peace in days to come. God be with you all.
~ Gene and Ester Johannesen Wall, SD (9/7/2018)

Sad your gone. Miss you
~ Laura. Birkel Omaha. Nebraska (2/3/2021)

Charlene and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
~ Sheryl Sether Hot Springs, SD (9/4/2018)

Charlene and family. We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have some great memories traveling to the SDSU football games with Charlene & Clayton. God Bless you all.
~ Joel & Karen Minett Ruthton, MN (9/6/2018)

so sorry Charlene for your loss I will keep you all in my prayers
~ Joann Stark Iowa (9/4/2018)

Charlene and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days to come. Keep your memories close.
~ Duane & J'Nai Hauk Quinn,SD (9/5/2018)

Charlene & Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and the days ahead. God's blessings to you all.
~ Brock & Brittany Smith & Family Philip, SD (9/7/2018)

Charlene and family - So sorry to hear of Clayton's passing. Our sincere sympathy to you all.
~ Don and Jolene Haynes Philip, SD (9/5/2018)