CLEMENS FRITZ SJOBERG

LEE – On Jan. 15, 2008, God called Clemens Fritz Sjoberg home to heaven. While residing at Colonial Acres, Lincoln, he left his frail body, entering into abundant eternal life. Dad was born Sept. 5, 1922, in New Sweden, to Fritz and Elvira (Sodegren) Sjoberg. Because Clemens realized he was a sinner and accepted the Lord as his personal Savior when he was 11 years old, he is rejoicing with them now in heaven, along with brothers, Vincent, Wallace and Ernest. Dad attended Jemtland School, New Sweden, and graduated from Caribou High School in 1940. While working on the farm with his dad, he was employed at First National Grocery Store, Presque Isle. In 1947, he attended the wedding of Ruth Ackerman and friend, Wilbert Anderson. Two years later, Ruth became a widow. When Dad read Wilbert’s obituary, he knew that someday, Ruth would be his bride. She became just that June 27, 1950. Dad took on fatherhood right away, raising Paul Anderson as his very own. They lived in Presque Isle a few more years and then had daughter, Rhonda, in 1956. In 1958, the Lord led them to Glen Cove, to help the Rev. Harold Duff start a boarding school, Glen Cove Christian Academy. Clemens and Ruth became dorm parents to 44 teenage boys that first year. Clemens also worked maintenance on campus. They attended First Baptist Church, Rockland, for many years, where they served as deacon and deaconess. Daughter, Brenda, came along in 1961 and in two years, they moved to Old County Road, Rockland, where they resided until 1984. Dad worked at Maine National Bank, Rockland, as janitor and also was self-employed as a carpenter. While members of South Hope Community Church, Dad again served as a deacon. After a brief stay in Greenville, S.C., they returned to the Rockland area, where Ruth passed away. Dad eventually moved to Canton, to help Brenda and her husband, who were working at Faith Baptist, Peru, Maine. Later, he moved on to Mattawamkeag, and faithfully attended Lee Baptist Church. Dad had a great love of music and came from a musical family. He played the trombone, banjo and mandolin. At age 84, he was still playing the mandolin faithfully during the evening services at Lee Baptist. He also carried the tenor while singing in choirs and audiences. Maybe Dad didn’t realize it, but he had a God given gift of “encouragement.” He was always quick to help people who were in need, whether it were financial, physical, material, or spiritual. One of his famous expressions, “Keep your chin up!” brought tears to many eyes as well as encouragement to heavy hearts. Dad was always faithful to take his family to church, having an active part wherever he went. In his later years, he went faithfully on church visitation with Mitch and picked up kids for Sunday school. While residing at Colonial, he even rode the bus to Lee Baptist surrounded by excited children. He made sure his family was provided for, both physically and spiritually. Clemens is in heaven with his parents, brothers, baby sister, and wife, Ruth, as well as many friends and extended family that have gone on before him. Those left behind, looking forward to seeing him again, are son, Paul and wife, Hazel of Palmer, Mass.; daughter, Rhonda and husband, Richard Colburn, of Chelsea; daughter, Brenda and husband, Mitch Bickford, of Lee; grandchildren, Heath and wife, Heather Anderson, Ruth-Ann Anderson, Chad and wife, Amanda Colburn, Tim Colburn, Heidi, Hilde, Haley, Holli and Heath Bickford; brothers, Carl and wife, Sonja Sjoberg, and Everett and wife, Elaine Sjoberg; and sister, Ebba Jepson. He also is survived by many dearly loved nieces and nephews. A very special heartfelt thank you to all the caring nursing staff at Colonial Acres Nursing Home, who treated Dad like family. We invite them and all who were touched by Clem’s life in some way, to celebrate his heavenly home-going noon, Saturday, Jan. 19, at Lee Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Philbrick officiating. Visiting hours will be 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service at the church. After the service all are invited to a time of food and fellowship. Spring interment will be at New Sweden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee Baptist Church Retreat Center Fund. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. www.clayfuneralhome.com