He was born in Sleepy Eye, MN on February 6, 1948, to Aloysius and Leona (Schweiss) Mathiowetz. Clete attended St. Marys Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, Crosier Seminary in Onamia, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
Clete valued hard work, and his excellent leadership and management skills spanned 50 years; the last 20 years he was employed at SMSC Gaming Enterprise and retired as Purchasing Manager in 2015.
Cletes faith and love for his family was the most meaningful and joyful part of his life. He had many interests; whether it was grilling (no matter the weather!), taking spontaneous road trips, enjoying nature, researching family genealogy, and listening to favorites by Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, and The Temptations. He was happy doing yard work while visiting with our neighbors, taking month-long travel adventures to new places, volunteering in the community and church, and enjoying many cuddle times with grandpuppy Finley. Clete was a kind and compassionate guy with a really great sense of humor that made his family and friends laugh a lot! We will cherish all these wonderful memories.
Clete is survived by his loving family; wife and best friend of 52 years, Donna (Johnson), daughter Colleen (Jason) McDonald, and brother, Gene (Laura) Mathiowetz. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marlin, and in-laws Madie and Wally Meyer.
Visitation Wednesday, November 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow, all at Faith Covenant Church 12921 Nicollet Ave. S., Burnsville.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to mnangel.org or candocanines.org