Clifford Iversen Cyriacks

Clifford Iversen Cyriacks, age 97, passed peacefully at the Boundary Waters Care Center on March 30th, 2025.  Clifford was born in Lake Benton, MN on March 4, 1928. After graduation from Pipestone High School, he joined the US Navy, then relocated to Minneapolis to attend Macalaster College and the Minnesota School of Business. While working in Minneapolis, he met the love of his life, Barbara, and they were married on August 24, 1952.

They moved to Bricelyn, MN, where together they owned and operated the Gamble’s Hardware Store. Soon after, they moved to Lakefield, MN, opening Clifford’s, a men’s wear store, and raised their three children, Glenna, Martine, and Todd.

Upon Todd’s graduation from High School, they moved to Tempe, AZ and purchased the Americana Shop, also a men’s wear business. After selling the Americana Shop, they relocated to Minnesota to spend time with family and friends.

For the following 14 years, Cliff and Barbara spent winters in Palm Springs, CA, working at Desmond’s, where they sold upscale men’s and women’s clothing to the likes of Liberace, Bob Hope, and Herman Wouk.

They moved to Ely, MN in 2010, saying it was the best move of their lives.  Cliff is fondly remembered for his loyalty to the Gophers, the Vikings, and the Twins.  He enjoyed sports of all kinds, was an avid golfer, a very stylish dresser, and unbeatable at bridge and pinochle.

He will be missed by his loving wife of 72 years, Barbara, Glenna Cyriacks (Bo) Donegan of Denver, CO, Martine Cyriacks Sorensen of Homer, AK, Todd (Kathy) Cyriacks of Ely, MN, grandchildren Ithaca Sorensen (Tyler) Janzen of Portland, OR, Parker Sorensen (Lily) of Homer, AK, Dane (Amy) Donegan of Zurich, Switzerland, and great-grandchildren Ruby and Powell Janzen.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Boundary Waters Care Center and Dr. Jeff Wilt for their kind and gentle care while Clifford was at the BWCC.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

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