Claire I. Vermedahl, 79, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, July 19, 2015, as a result of lung cancer.

He was born on July 29, 1935, in Lake Mills, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Ida (Bergland) Vermedahl.

Claire attended country school, Norway No. 4, near Scarville, Iowa, and then graduated from Lake Mills High School. After a year at Luther College, Claire started work at Rilco in Albert Lea. Rilco became Weyerhauser in 1960 and later became ALAMCO Wood Products. Claire returned to Mankato State University and received his degree in business in 1976. In 1982, Claire and nine others purchased ALAMCO, from which he retired as CEO/CFO in 2009. Over the years, Claire enjoyed serving on many professional boards in the wood product industry.

Claire was a member of  the Albert Lea United Methodist Church where he had  volunteered for many jobs, held many offices and was most recently finance chair.

Claire was a great community activist, always supporting and promoting things for the betterment of people and the community. A few of the committees and clubs he enjoyed serving on include: the Chamber, Naeve Hospital Foundation, Freeborn County Historical Society Board, SCORE, Kiwanis, Civic Music, the Elks Club and Eagles Club.

He enjoyed his yearly fishing trip to Canada, dancing with his wife, woodworking, his hobby farm in earlier years, driving his 1949 Thunderbird, restoring his 1949 Oliver tractor and driving it in the Shinefest, and displaying it at the fair.

Claire enjoyed travel and saw most of the continental United States and more than 15 countries.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Ruth; daughter Martha “Mandi” Vermedahl of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; son Ross Vermedahl and his wife Marcia and their children Joanna, John and Jack of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; brother-in-law Rev. Wayne Halvorson of Albert Lea; step sisters: Elaine (Don) Bergan of Lake Mills, Iowa, Ruth (Al) Lerohl of Hot Springs, Village, Arkansas; one niece, four nephews and cousins.

Claire was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Ida Vermedahl; and a sister Lois Halvorson.

Claire’s kindness, support and forgiveness was unconditional. He was truly a passionate advocate for all those he loved, and all things he cared about.

A celebration of life service for Claire will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Don Malinsky will officiate. Interment will be in Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota, at 3 p.m. July 29 (what would have been his 80th birthday). Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church (ABC or Covenant Funds), Naeve Health Care Foundation, Albert Lea Art Center or the Freeborn County Historical Society.