Clyde E. McCaskey Jr.

1943 - 2024

Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Clyde Eugene McCaskey Jr., age 81, of Forest Lake died on the 30th of October after succumbing to his 5th bout of cancer.

Clyde was born in Caton, SD to Clyde McCaskey Sr. and Edna McCaskey on June 17, 1943. He was one of nine children. They lived and worked the farm at home while Clyde attended a one room schoolhouse in Caton where he excelled, especially in science, until he graduated.

He met and fell in love with his wife Bonnie while they were both on a trip with friends. Bonnie and Clyde married on August 21, 1965, at the St. Paul Cathedral. Recently, they celebrated 59 years of marriage together. Shortly after they were married, Clyde was drafted to Vietnam. Upon his return, they had two children, Lisa and Tammy. Even though Clyde was a girl dad, he made sure to teach his girls construction and his favorite pastime, fishing. They made great family memories camping and going on "crazy days" adventures.

Clyde retired early from 3M after 25 years due to his loss of eyesight. He also worked for a title company and was a parttime shoe repairman at Harold's Shoes in Forest Lake. Clyde was involved in the Catholic Church's Marriage Encounter Program and was a proud member of the Knights of Colombus. His true passion was politics, and he really enjoyed working for the Republican Party throughout the years.

If you know Clyde, you know he loved to woodwork in his spare time. He built a crib and cradle for his grandchildren and loved making doll house furniture.

Clyde will always be remembered as a true example of the hands and feet of Christ. He took in the homeless, counseled blind veterans, and was generous to a fault. He lived in Christ's example in his everyday actions and through his love for his family.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Bonnie McCaskey; two daughters, Lisa (Troy) Osterbauer and Tammy (Jesse) Figueroa; grandchildren, Leo Osterbauer, Mitchell Osterbauer, Keyssy Figueroa, Khotan Figueroa; great granddaughter, Alejandra Love; brothers, Marlyn (Gayle) McCaskey, Maurey (Ann); sisters, Edna Erickson and Jane (Bob) Hodjens; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Clyde was preceded in death by both parents, Clyde McCaskey Sr. (Edna); brothers, Leroy (Phyllis) McCaskey, Allen (Polly) McCaskey; sisters, Mabel (Verlyn) Gibson and Anna (Ron) Anderson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2024, at the Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m., Sunday November 10, 2024, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake and will continue one hour prior to mass at the church on Monday. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Clyde will be interred at a separate, private service at Fort Snelling on a later date.