William Thomas “Big Will” Clennon, 61, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Mr. Clennon was born Aug. 22, 1957, in Austin to Arthur J. and Delores Mae (Bednar) Clennon. After attending Austin High School, William was employed as a master welder.  Over the years, he worked at Owatonna Tool Company, McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, and managed the Salvation Army Thrift Store for 12 years, retiring in 2018 due to health concerns. He was raised in Queen of Angels Catholic Church, and later was a member of the Salvation Army congregation. On June 5, 1982, William married Nancy Read at Crane Community Chapel in Austin. They were married for 23 years and then later divorced. William’s favorite pastimes included playing softball, pheasant hunting, and riding motorcycles. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. A golden glove boxing champion and all-around good mechanic, Will was known to be able to fix almost anything. His family and friends will miss him deeply.

Survivors include his son, William ‘Little Willie’ Clennon, of Austin; his daughter, Amy Clennon (Chris Holmes) of Austin; his ex-wife, Nancy Clennon of Austin; four grandchildren, Isaiah, David, Mason and Jameson; his siblings, Arthur S. (Sue) Clennon of Galveston, Texas, Bruce (Gwen) Clennon of Bruno, Minnesota, Stephen Clennon (Diane Vaale) of Austin, Mark (Bev) Clennon of Springfield, Minnesota, James (Mary) Clennon of Austin, Dan (Mary) Clennon of Austin, Michael (Sarah) Clennon of Byron, Minnesota, Jerry (Julie) Clennon of Rochester, Minnesota, Timothy (Marcia) Clennon of Hinkley, Minnesota, Kathleen (Bud) McPartlin of Summerville, South Carolina, and Lisa (Dean) Johnson of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. William was preceded in death by his parents; his sister-in-law, Arlis Clennon; his niece, Gina Marie Clennon; his brother-in-law, Allen Read; and his father-in-law, Lemuel Read Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Capt. David Amick officiating. There will be a visitation from 9:30-11 a.m. before the service on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.