Clarence Arnold Roen

Clarence Arnold Roen

Clarence Arnold Roen (Sergeant First Class), affectionately known to his friends and family as Arny or Arnold, "Whitey", "Swede", "Cotton top", or "Snowball", passed away on April 1, 2012.

He was born in Reeder, North Dakota on October 25, 1919, to Carl Anton Roen and Elizabeth Olson Borstadt, the second of four children.

At age ten his family moved to McLaughlin, South Dakota, where he loved to spend sunny afternoons skipping school and fishing in Oak Creek, enjoying boyish pranks and mischief.

He graduated from McLaughlin High School, and after high school he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCP) where he was based in the Badlands of South Dakota. At the outbreak of World War II his CCC unit was converted to U.S. National Guard and then quickly made active Army. He initially joined the 109th Engineer Combat Battalion, then the 310th Engineer Combat Battalion, both within the 34th Infantry, Red Bull Division, serving in North Africa and Italy as a infantry radio operator in the ferocious battles of Anzio-Nettuno, Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, and North Apennines. After WWII he re-upped multiple times and continued to serve as an infantry radio operator through the Korean conflict in the PO Valley.

He returned stateside to the Presidio in San Francisco, California, in 1953, as a Sergeant where he was stationed as a Communications Officer for the remaining years of his career. With approximately one thousand civilian employees serving under his direction.

Clarence retired after 30 years military service in 1964 to Mar Vista (Los Angeles) California, where he worked in the construction trades while assisting his mother in caring for his stepfather, Francis Thomas, who passed away in 1967.

Clarence moved to Redding, California, in 2006, to be closer to his sister and to enjoy the company of his extended family.

Clarence was HAM Operator W6HXQ for many years, making friends in many parts of the world; he was an avid reader and prolific writer, published in Southwest Magazine and The Army Gazette. A student of Great Plains history, Arnold was not only well traveled, but well versed and liked to share his knowledge by telling stories that make history come alive. Those who knew him loved him for his kindness, sense of humor, generosity, patience, and for his willingness and enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge.

He is survived by his sister Ruth Bolkcom and her children David Carl (Connie), Ann Elizabeth (Curt Gill) of Redding, Nancy Carmen (Michael Shaw) of Fort Bragg, Arnold Roen Bolkcom (Tammy) of Fortuna, his cousins Michael Thomas of Sea Ranch, David Bastian, Barry Bastian, Sue Rossi, and Great Niece and Nephew Richard W. Bolkcom,Aaron Peterson (Shaw), Amanda Bolkcom McPherson, Travis Gill, Elizabeth Bolkcom Freitas, Kristen Gill, and 14 Great-Great Niece and Nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his father Carl A. Roen in 1976; brother Carl E. Roen in 1981; mother Elizabeth (Roen) Thomas in 1992; sister Carmen Ness in 1996; brother-in-law Richard Bolkcom Sr. in 1998; and nephew Richard Bolkcom Jr. in 2007.

Clarence was a member of the American Legion, Veteran's of Foreign Wars, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the 34th Infantry Division Association.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial gifts be made to any of these organizations,to a favorite charity.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be conducted on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 1:00 P.M.
At The Redding Memorial Park, 1201 Continental st. Redding, Ca. 96001 530-241-1626



Clarence Arnold Oren, 92, of Redding died Sunday at Mercy Medical Center in Redding.

Graveside Wednesday, April 11, 2012 @ 1:00 P.M. at McDonald's Redding Memorial park (241-1626)