Clarence Menghini

IRON MOUNTAIN - Clarence J. "Tony" Menghini, 89, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. Clarence was born Jan. 10, 1920, in Norway, son of the late Floriano and Edith (Enama) Menghini. He graduated from Norway High School in 1938 and was a lifelong resident of the area. Clarence attended Northern Michigan University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1942. He eventually obtained his master's degree in education from the University of Michigan. Clarence enlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard as an apprentice sailor and later graduated from the Coast Guard Academy. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during World War II. Clarence married Marjorie Rigoni on June 15, 1946, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. He was a teacher and coach for the Iron Mountain School District for eight years and was instrumental in forming the outdoor education program in the Iron Mountain school system. He served as director of the outdoor education program for many years and founded the school forest in the mid-1950s. Clarence then took a position with the Niagara School Disrtict where he was principal and athletic director for 28 years until retiring in 1981. Clarence was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pine Grove Country Club, the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 and the Knights of Columbus through which he started the Columbian Squires. He was a former member of the Chippewa Club. Clarence enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, bocce and spending time with his brothers. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie; two daughters, Cheryl Wender-Menghini (Rob Olsen) of Iron Mountain and Karen (Lothar) Mueller of Neenah, Wis.; two brothers, Floyd Menghini of Loretto and Wallace (Gwen) Menghini of Kingsford; five grandchildren, Marc (Deedee) Wender, Christie (Gary) Lofholm, Jason (Kelly) Wender, and Chris and Alex Mueller; five great-grandchildren, Ashlun, Eli and Elle Lofholm, Avery Wender and Liv Wender; and several nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by five brothers, Ernest, Rudolph, Herman, August and Robert Menghini and a sister, Anna Zeni. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of the Christian burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside honors. Pallbearers will be Marc and Jason Wender, Alex and Chris Mueller, Gary Lofholm, William Menghini, Chris Rigotti, Mike Werner and Dave Menghini. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Verrette and Bob Rigoni. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the general scholarship funds at the Iron Mountain School System or the Niagara School System. A special thank you for going above and beyond in Tony's care to the following at ManorCare: Krystal, Katie, Lisa, Colin, Jacquie, Ann, and Tracy. These exceptional caregivers truly love their job and it is most evident and appreciated. Condolences to the family of Clarence J. Menghini can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Clarence Menghini

October 14, 2009