Clarence James Jahner passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am on Tuesday, August 4, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck, ND. 

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Monday, August 3, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7pm. 

Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck, ND.

He was the fifth child born to Joseph K. and Mary Ann (Schwan) Jahner on June 3, 1941, in Linton, North Dakota. He was raised on a farm west of Linton, where he attended a rural school before graduating from Linton High School.

In 1963, he married Betty (Brendel) Jahner at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Napoleon, North Dakota. After one year of farming, they built their life together in Bismarck. Clarence began his successful career as a floor mechanic at Rauch's Furniture Store, where he worked for 10 years before starting CJ Floor Covering. He later became a part owner of Interstate Home Décor and designed and built numerous residential and commercial buildings. Drawing blueprints and designing homes and apartment buildings were among his many gifts. He worked as a floor mechanic for more than 55 years.

After retirement, Clarence began cooking for events at the Bismarck Moose Lodge. He was an exceptional cook. He generously donated countless hours preparing and serving meals that were enjoyed by many. In 2017, he was awarded the Pilgrim Degree of Merit—the highest honor bestowed by Moose International—in recognition of his outstanding service. He also served as Governor of the Moose Lodge and held numerous leadership positions over a span of 25 years. Clarence was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the Eagles.

His greatest accomplishment was his family. He took immense pride in supporting and encouraging his three children and their spouses and later treasured every moment spent with his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Clarence truly lived life to the fullest and was always ready for a good time. From an early age, he loved dancing the polka and socializing. Light on his feet, he seemed to float across the dance floor with his wife and favorite dance partner, Betty. His infectious smile drew people to him, and it was rare for the family to go anywhere in Bismarck or the surrounding communities without someone stopping to greet "CJ."

He was a true card shark who especially loved the game of pinochle. He spent countless hours playing cards with family and friends, often remembering everyone else's cards better than they did.

Time with family was Clarence's greatest joy. He looked forward to holiday gatherings, but for him, any day was a good day if it meant being surrounded by family and friends. He deeply loved his siblings and considered his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to be family in every sense of the word.

Clarence is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty; his children, Ronnie (Cathy) Jahner of Bismarck, Mary (David) Anderson of Fargo, and Lisa (Nathan) Vatnsdal of Bismarck; his grandchildren, Christina (Kevin) McCleary of Lisbon, Joseph (Danielle) Jahner of Mukwonago, WI, Elizabeth Anderson of Bismarck, Erik (Jamie) Anderson of Scottsdale, AZ, Bennett Vatnsdal (Sydney Bauer), Bryce Vatnsdal, and Aubrey Vatnsdal, all of Bismarck; his great-grandchildren, Lydia, Evelyn, Caroline, and Kellen McCleary, and Jonah and Micah Jahner; and a great-grandson, Baby Boy Anderson, expected in September.

He is also survived by his extended family: Albert (Patty) Brendel, Mathias (Betty) Brendel, Peter (Elaine) Brendel, Phyllis (Gene) Meidinger, Raphael (Ellene) Brendel, Bernie Schock, and Delores Jahner, as well as many special nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as "The Uncle."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph K. and Mary Ann Jahner; his sisters, Ann (Anton) Zahn, Victoria (Wendelin) Bosch, and Helen (Sylvester) Zahn; his brother, Herman Jahner; his special in-laws, Peter and Barbara Brendel; and his brother-in-law, Blaine Schock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Clarence's memory to the charity or organization of your choice.