Clement Splichal, 91, formerly of South Heart, died Tuesday, October 20, 2020 in West Fargo. Clem’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart with Fr. Shane Campbell as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson.
Clement A. Splichal was born November 23, 1928 on the family farm to Louis and Mary (Roller) Splichal. He attended school at South Heart and remained on the farm and then in South Heart helping his parents until he married. On June 13, 1949 Clem married Mary Ann Blood at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in South Heart. He worked at various jobs as a young man including Adamski farms, Haverlock Repair and Farmers Union Oil. He began working for Vantine Paint & Glass in Dickinson in 1949. In 1974 He and Mary Ann decided to leave South Heart and move to Bismarck. Clem continued to work for Vantine in Bismarck eventually the name changed to Fargo Glass. He worked there as a glazier and ceiling installer until his retirement in 1991. When he was younger he enjoyed hunting with his dogs. He was always an avid gardener and innovator in gardening ideas including raised beds, irrigation systems and even tree grafting. He loved feeding and watching the birds and squirrels even when the squirrels were challenging his feeders and trying to steal the bird food. He was a handyman’s handyman and could build almost anything. He was a great father and mentor passing along his skills to his children and grandchildren. Clem and Mary Ann loved to travel in their motorhome and spent much time touring the United States. Their travels took them out of the country to visit relatives in the Netherlands several times. Clem enjoyed taking many pictures and amassed a huge collection of photos. He was an avid fisherman and never missed an opportunity to catch those elusive walleyes. He had the opportunity to fish for salmon off the coast of Washington as well as spending many days of fishing the Missouri River system including Lake Sakakawea.
While in South Heart he sang in the St. Mary Church Choir and spent many hours decorating the church for the holidays. In Bismarck he and Mary Ann attended the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was involved in many church activities including Greeter, Eucharistic Minister and Coffee and Roll committee.
Clem is survived by his wife of 71 years Mary Ann, West Fargo, three children Cindy (Russ) Easton, Evanston Wyo., Anne Marie Carrington, San Tan Valley Ariz., and Jeff (Len) Splichal, Kindred; four grandchildren, James Wanner, Matt Splichal, Jessica Vucci and Kathy Stoddard; five great-grandchildren, Karmella, Matthew, Roman, Reagan and Ryland; one brother-in-law, Laudie Simek.
He was preceded in death by his parents; eight sisters, Anna, Rosie, Philopina, Paulina, Christina, Margret, Regina Obritsch and Mary Ann Simek; four brothers, Peter, Philip, Val and Louie, two sisters-in-law, Elaine Splichal and Donna Splichal; one brother-in-law, John Obritsch.
