Clayton Quast

Clayton Quast, 84, of Brainerd, MN passed away on Dec 3, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.

Clayton was born on July 4th 1937 to Louis and Delphine in Winsted, MN.   Clayton left Winsted and joined the army, where he was a paramedic.  After returning from the Army, Clayton met Pat Birkolz at the Blue Note in Winsted and started their 61 year romance.  Clayton became an electrician and started his own company, along with creating multiple electricians in the family.   Clayton and Pat also had a successful Arabian horse business (Quast Arabians), Christmas tree farm along with building multiple log cabins by hand and renting them as part of Evergreen Acres.

Clayton and Pat married on Feb 28, 1960 going on to have seven children, Jackie Klecker (Carolyn), Charlene Radtke (Dan), Brian (Mary), Clayton Jay (Jen), Michael, Denise Swenson (Dan) and Curtis (Becky).  He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Anyone who knew Clayton knew he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for.

Clayton was smart, tolerant and funny and always had a smile on his face.  He was always open to try new things and loved being “up north,” spending time in the woods, often looking for a new location for another log cabin or clearing another path through the woods.  His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, and he loved enjoying a brandy while laughing with his family and friends.

Clayton was preceded in death by his mother Delphine, father Louis, and is survived by his wife Pat, seven children and siblings Wilbur, Barb, Ronnie, MaryLou, Eugene and Louis.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday Dec 11 at Garrison VFW, 27234 Monroe St, Garrison, MN 56450.  The celebration starts at 11 am, color guard, flag presentation and blessing at 11:30.  Lunch and social hour to follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel – Baxter.