Clem Bissonette

Obituary of Clem Bissonette
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our father and stepfather, Clement (Clem) L. Bissonette Jr, on February 20, 2025. Clem was a man of many accomplishments, the most important of which was his love for, and constant support of, both his immediate as well as extended family.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Clem grew up during the Great Depression, one of the longest and deepest downturns in the history of the United States. Despite this challenge, coupled with the loss of his mother at a very young age, Clem demonstrated ongoing resourcefulness in his drive to succeed, graduating from DeLasalle High School, and from the University of Minnesota (with Honors), with a Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1949.
As one of the members of the greatest generation, Clem enlisted and served our country in WWII, in the United States Navy, aboard the Pacific fleet carrier escort, CVE 87, the USS Steamer Bay. His tour of duty, during which he achieved the rank of LTJG, included taking part in the invasion of Leyte, the Battle for the Philippines, the Battle of Lingayen Gulf, as well as the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Following his safe return home from his Naval service to our country, and completing his Bachelor's degree, Clem embarked upon a highly-successful career with the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa). With service to Alcoa spanning 35+ years, Clem participated in a variety of innovative assignments and heightened managerial responsibilities. His career growth at Alcoa led him to oversee and organize Rod, Wire and Cable operations in a number of U.S. locations, as well as Brazil and Belgium. Following a brief retirement period, Clem returned to the manufacturing sector, where he oversaw manufacturing operations at Audio Research Corporation (ARC), one of America's oldest manufacturers of high-end audio equipment.
An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, Clem recorded eight holes-in-one while on the links in Sun City Center, Florida. Later in life, he developed a real love of cooking, making fabulous meals for family and friends. A true Minnesotan, he was a die-hard supporter of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings, later adding the Buffalo Bills to his list of beloved NFL teams.
A dedicated and impactful leader in his career, nothing meant more to Clem than his family. Having an extended family consisting of seven children, four stepchildren, as well as over 30 grandchildren and over 30 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, Clem was meticulous in maintaining contact with each and every family within this very broad family tree. A true lover of giving back, he was an ongoing supporter of a variety of charities close to his heart. Maintaining his full cognitive capabilities right to the end, he continued to entertain and captivate any audience, big or small, with his wit, joke telling and contagious sense of humor.
Clem was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly Bissonette, and then his second wife, Joyce Buehler, both loving women, with which he enjoyed and, later reflected upon, many priceless memories. Clem is survived by his seven children, Susan (Bissonette) Gibson, Stephen Bissonette (Cindy), Gary Bissonette (Lynda), Shawn Bissonette Malley, Mark Bissonette (Lisa), Aimee Bissonette McKamey, and Dani Kasmarik (Duane), along with three Stepchildren, Matthew Buehler (Pamela), Mark Buehler, Luke Buehler (Janet), as well as Bonnie (Buehler) Rowell (deceased).
A celebration of life and funeral mass for Clem will take place at a later date, which will be announced shortly by the family. In lieu of gifts and/or flowers, the family asks that those interested please give a donation, in his memory, to one of their favorite local charities. For those looking for more specific guidance relating to where to donate, recommended charities include Hospice, Wounded Warriors, and St Jude's Hospital.
Clem will be laid to rest in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, next to his beloved first wife, Beverly.