Kann, Verdus Joseph 1936-2021

KANN, HECK, CLEFISCH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/27/2021 at 20:34:52

Verdus Joseph Kann, 85, of Mankato, MN, passed away unexpectedly in his home on July 12, 2021.

Verdus was born March 31, 1936, in Guttenberg, the son of Herbert and Ida (Heck) Kann. He attended Jefferson #6 country school until 8th grade.

After school he worked on the family farm until he joined the army in 1959. He was discharged in 1965 and returned to the home farm.

On June 19rd, 1972 he married Sandra Eberhard Clefisch. The couple had one son, Joe. Verdus continued to farm for several more years before starting a new career as an over the road semi driver from 1987-2000.

He and Sandra moved to Minnesota in 1992. In 2000 he retired from over the road trucking and worked closer to home hauling asphalt in the summer and snow in the winter until 2006. In 2006 he began hauling campers across the country and into Canada. He retired for good in 2010 at which time he moved to Mankato to be closer to his son, Joe, and his two grandchildren. He spent the rest of his life in Mankato spending his time helping his son finish his house, babysitting his grandchildren, dog sitting for Joe’s dog, Ellie, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Verdus was known for his ability to teach himself many skills and becoming accomplished at them. He took up welding after finding an arc welder for a good deal and ended up welding on the side while farming. He taught himself woodworking and made many small and large items. Several of his creations are still used by his son and step children.

Verdus is survived by his son, Joe (Mary Jo) Kann of Mankato, sister Mary (Eldon) Parker of Guttenberg, grandchildren, Josh and Samantha, as well as his step children Steven (Judy) Clefisch, of Guttenberg, Scott (Brenda) Clefisch of Colorado Springs, CO, Stuart (Kristi) Clefisch, of Garnavillo, and Shelley (Artie) Foster, of St. Paul, MN; and many nieces and nephews and step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandra in 2018, brothers, Reynold, Loren, and Herbert (Bud), and his sister Donna.