Kenneth "Ken" Robert Clafton, age "81 7/8", of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Grand Itasca Hospital, Grand Rapids, MN.

Ken was born in 1941 in Grand Rapids, MN to William and Edith Clafton.  He grew up and attended school in Arbo Township, MN.  Ken graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1959.  Ken met his future wife, Mary Ann Petrick, while teaching music lessons at Crippa Music.  On June 22, 1964, Ken and Mary Ann were united in marriage in Fr. Polk, LA.  Ken served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Following his discharge from the service, Ken and Mary Ann moved back to Grand Rapids, MN.  He owned and operated Clafton Builders for over 50 years and at times it was debatable when he truly did retire from the business.  Ken enjoyed spending time at his cabin, playing music with many groups in various venues around the Grand Rapids area, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; sister-in-law, Sandy Clafton; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Ann: his children, Patrick (Lori) Clafton of Grand Rapids, MN, Gary (Mindy) Clafton of Sauk Rapids, MN, Joseph (Rebecca) Clafton of Grand Rapids, MN, Paul (Tracy) Clafton of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Kelly (Sean) Martinson of Grand Rapids, MN; sister, Pamela (Robert) Lee of Onalaska, WI; two brothers, Gordy Clafton of Red Wing, MN and David (Carol) Clafton of Grand Rapids, MN; 14 grandchildren, Tony (Samantha) Clafton, Kayla (Alex) Warren, Aaron Clafton, Nathan (Kaitlin) Clafton, Matthew Clafton, Jacob Clafton, Wyatt (Deziree) Clafton, Carter Clafton, Zachary Clafton, Kenny Martinson, Parker Clafton, Ryan Martinson, Mac Martinson, and Gino Martinson; 7 great grandchildren, Gus, Jadaquine, Cam, Elliot, Will, Quinn, and Jamieson plus two more on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

The Clafton family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Jameson Harker and the staff of Grand Itasca Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion given to Ken while he was there.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN and will continue at the church on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN. Fr. Jerry Weiss will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.