Clarence LaLiberte

Clarence E. LaLiberte, 103, of Duluth, died Saturday, March 27, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Clarence was born December 22, 1917 in Duluth, MN, son of Dorella and Henry LaLiberte.

Clarence graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School and later went on to graduate from Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation Clarence worked for Huron Cement in Michigan prior to enlisting in the armed services.

Clarence joined the Armed Services in January of 1941 and later graduated from Officer Candidate School at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and served proudly until the end of the war, December 1945. It was during his military service that he met Jack Woughter and had the occasion to travel to Detroit, where Jack’s family lived. Clarence met Elizabeth (Betty) Woughter, Jack’s sister, and eventually won her heart. They were married on June 26th, 1943. After the war Clarence and Betty settled back in Duluth and raised eleven children.

Clarence went to work for his father, Henry, at the Cutler Magner Company. He spent 62 years working as an Engineer, Vice President and President, growing Cutler Magner Company into a regional leader in chemical lime production and salt processing. Clarence was devoted to community service and served on many boards including Cathedral High School/Marshall School, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, and Holy Rosary School parish. His priorities were faith, family, and friends. He exemplified giving back and philanthropy throughout his life as he was motivated by his deep faith and compassion for those in need. Clarence focused on supporting programs that provided basic needs to the most vulnerable including protection for the unborn, food, shelter, medicine, and education.

Clarence enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was also an avid tennis player his entire life and celebrated his 100th birthday playing tennis with members of his family. He kept close watch on his favorite hockey teams, the Minnesota Wild and UMD Bulldogs and always enjoyed watching professional tennis.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Betty, his sisters Alice, Bernice and Marguerite and brother Paul, granddaughter Jennifer, and great-grandson George. He is survived by all eleven children: Mary, Cathy (Ed) Gould, Tom, Janet (Chico) Anderson, Nancy, Ann (Tom) Olson, Steve (Judi), Beth, James (Marta), Mark (Karen) and Amy; 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express special gratitude for the angelic caregiving team who lovingly sustained Clarence in his home, the extraordinary counsel of Dr. Timothy Rich and Dr. Mark Rhodes, and the professional and caring support of the Essentia Health Hospice team.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, with wake prayers at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral will be held. Proper COVID-19 safety protocol will be observed, and MASKS ARE REQUIRED at the visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women’s Care Center, 103 E. 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802, or Chum Duluth, 102 W. 2nd, Duluth, MN 55802.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555, please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.