Clarence John Taatjes - Raymond FD
From the Raymond News, Friday, Dec. 14, 1962: "The Gunter Elevator in Raymond burned to the ground Tuesday evening, in one of the largest, most dangerous fires in village history...Fire departments were called in minutes, from Willmar and Clara City, and all three departments fought for hours to save the three grain bins adjoining the elevator proper...Raymond firemem remained at the scene all through the night in sub-zero temperatures to make sure the fire would not start up again...Mr. Taatjes had been a member of the Raymond Fire Department for 20 years and its chief for the past seven. He was eligible for retirement this year, but had been re-elected chief, and had accepted the position for another year, at the last meeting of the department about a week ago. His death was the result of a heart attack." He was 55 years old and was survived by his wife and five children. From his obituary, Raymond News, Dec. 28, 1962: "Clarence John Taatjes was born on May 20, 1907...he grew up and made his home in Raymond village all his life...Mr. Taatjes was a partner in the Dykema and Taatjes Hardware Store in Raymond...He was a good citizen of the village, always taking an active part in all community affairs...He was a charter member and past president of the Raymond Lions Club, a past presient of the Raymond Civic & Commerce Association, active in Boy Scouting and PTA...Mr. Taatjes was a man of unfailing kindness and courtesy, an able man, who could always be depended upon to do his share and often more..." |
Photo of Clarence John Taatjes |
