Clifford-Digre-Obituary

Clifford Benjamin Digre

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Digre, Clifford Benjamin Clifford Benjamin Digre died November 25, 2012 in Prior Lake at his home with all his children and his wife at his side. Clifford was born on May 26, 1923 in Hendricks Minnesota to Peder and Carrie Digre; he graduated from Hendricks High School. He served as a ball-turret gunner and radio-operator in World War II in England. After the war he met the love of his life, E. Bernice Hoversten and they were married in 1947. After discharge at the end of the war, Clifford returned to Minnesota and attended National Radio School. He founded his first company, Vet's Radio, which was a small shed employing himself and another student - repairing radios. He started Minneapolis Speaker and Reconing Company and later he began manufacturing loud speakers. This led to the establishment of Minneapolis Speaker Company (MISCO). MISCO initially pursued the drive-in theatre market and later branched out to OEM manufacturing of loudspeakers for aerospace, medical equipment and professional audio. Today under the direction of Cliff's son Dan, MISCO serves international markets and is a leading manufacturer of loudspeakers and audio equipment in the United States. Clifford Digre held 3 US patents related to magnetic circuits-all are in use to this day. After semi-retirement from MISCO, he wrote his memories of World War II-"Into Life's School-My World War II memories". (www.intolifesschool.com) He has presented at air shows, libraries, Wings of the North, and 8th Air Force Round tables in Minneapolis. At his death, he was writing his second book, "The MISCO Story." Cliff Digre was president and board member of ALMA (American Loudspeaker Manufactuing Association), and he served as a board member of the 457th Bomb Group. Cliff was a 50 year member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, and served on the church council. He is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Cliff's proud Norwegian heritage and steadfast Lutheran faith didn't simply influence who he was; they were who he was, with the addition of his own brand of hard work, persistence, curiosity, and appreciation for his family, friends, Bernice's cooking and care, their lake home, music, sports, current events, learning, travel, and the turn of a good phrase that occupied him for his busy and fulfilling 89 years. Cliff and Bernice, his wife of 65 years, lived in the Fulton neighborhood for 47 years where their four children all graduated from Southwest High School. He is preceded in death by his parents father Peder, mother Carrie, Brother Gerhard, sisters Gurine, Clara and Pearl. He is survived by his wife Bernice Hoversten Digre, daughter Kathleen Digre (Michael Varner), Rolland Digre, Daniel Digre (Luz Paz), Carrie Murphy (Chad), grandchildren Johanna and Gita Varner, Peder and Neal Digre, Amy Stepan (D.), Ann Aho (Jeremy), Cali Digre, Jordan and Joshua Murphy, and great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Landon, Karlee Aho, and Sabriel Stepan. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Funeral service 12 Noon Friday, Nov. 30 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave S. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation 5-7 PM Thursday, Nov. 29 at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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Very sorry to hear of Cliff's passing . My Dad always considered him a dear friend .I was privileged to meet him at one of the reunions .

ALMA Driver Awards, first in industry history, designed and produced by MISCO.

Digre Family,

So sorry to hear about your husband, father. I regret not seeing this in time as I would certainly have come to the service. Both Mr. and Mrs. Digre were always kind to the neighborhood kids. I didn't know that he was in WW11. Guys like Cliff and my Dad truly saved the world. We lost mom last Spring unexpectedly so she and dad are together again and for ever.

I wish you all well through this time of grief.

Brant Hutchins

We are so sorry for your loss. Getting to spend time with Cliff last summer is something we really apprechiate.

Bernice, Dan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. We didn't see the obit until last night (Fri.). Cliff was a wonderful man, a man of great integrity. We so enjoyed working with him on the MISCO building. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
With our deepest sympathy,
Willard and Arlene Weikle

I tried very hard to get to Mpls. to celebrate Uncle Cliff's life. He was a special man who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Colleen

I am so thankful to have stumbled upon knowing anything about Cliff. He helped me know about my own Father's war experience than anyone before. I was thrilled at the pictures he sent of him and my Dad together. He knew a side of my Father I could have never known. Thank you Cliff....so very much. God bless you and keep you well....and PLEASE tell my Dad that I loved him more than he knows. This world will miss you both.

Sorry to hear about Clifford. My father, Arnold, was a plumber in Hendricks all of his life. My brother Doug, used to go to Rolland for dental work.My name is Cindy(Digre)Fehn and live in Buffalo, Mn. I am wondering if he was a distant Cousin???

Bernice

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We were saddened to hear of your loss.