Clifford Koeckeritz, 80, of Owatonna, MN, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2017 at St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault, MN, surrounded by his family. Clifford was born Sept 3, 1936 in Lac Qui Parle Co. MN to Harold and Hertha (Struck) Koeckeritz. He attended a country school through 8th grade and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1954. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force in Jan. 1955 and was honorably discharged in Nov. 1958, serving his country as a jet mechanic. Cliff was joined in marriage on June 9, 1957 to Marlys Brandt. After discharge from the USAF, he worked as a civilian employee as a jet mechanic for the N.D. Air National Guard in Fargo N.D. Cliff and Marlys moved to Owatonna with their family in 1961 and operated the Rice Lake Dairy farm for 5 years. Upon leaving the farm, he was employed by Kading's Deep Rock as an auto mechanic. He purchased the business in 1973 and continued operation of the service and repair shop until 1999. As a second career in 2001, he was employed at A Plus Sew and Vac, where he became a certified sewing machine technician and continued employment until 2009. He continued his 'post retirement' career in sewing machine and vacuum repairs in his home until 2015. All of his life he was very active in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and held many offices in the church. His enjoyment in life was his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Keeping the yard, gardens, and flowers in tip top shape was a joy to him. He was also a very creative man and could fix anything. Survived by his wife, Marlys of 60 years; his children, Bruce (Julie) Koeckeritz, JoAnn (Carl) Arny, Janis (Jim) Pfeifer, Craig (Priscilla) Koeckeritz; grandchildren, Jamie (Justin) Rosin, Steven (Kelsey) Pfeifer, Crystal (Ryan) Prestegard, Brent Koeckeritz, Taylor (Zac) McCloud, Cedric Arny, Mitchell Koeckeritz, Alexey Koeckeritz, Benjamin Koeckeritz; great grandchildren, Meredith, Ellie and Alexey Clifford; sisters, Cheryle Vold, Karen (Colin) Tilbury, Pat Brown, Pam (Joe) Streich; sisters-in-law, Judy Koeckeritz and Marie Koeckeritz and many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harlan, Stanley, and Rodger and sisters, Gloria and Sandra. A Celebration of Life will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Saturday, August 26, 2017 with a family meet and greet from 12:00 - 2:00 PM followed by the Celebration of Life service beginning at 2:00 PM. Luncheon to follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to St. Lucas Care Center or the Homestead Hospice House Patient Care Fund. Visitation: 08/26/2017 12:00 08/26/2017 14:00 Service: 08/26/2017 14:00