Clay Rein

Minot

Clay Rein, 82, of Minot passed gently into the Light on Sunday July, 20, 2025.

Clayton James Rein was born August 18, 1942 in Dickinson to Albert and Clara (Notch) Rein. He was raised in Minot and graduated from Bishop Ryan High School in 1960. Clay loved to learn and continued his education throughout his life. He studied at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Springhill, NY; St John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN; Assumption Abbey in Richardton and received his PhD from Minot State University.

In 1964, he began working at the Ward County Court House. He retired in 1994 as the Deputy County Auditor; he enjoyed his work at the courthouse yet chose to retire to care for his elderly parents.

Service was at the heart of Clay’s life. He was a member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church and a former member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church where he served on Parish Council and taught CCD. He was a member of the Homeless Coalition Board of Directors, Salvation Army Board of Directors, Native American Heritage Association at MSU and was active with the soup kitchen at All Saints Episcopal Church. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles Aerie, Moose Lodge and Golden K Kiwanis Club.

He was able to travel the world, spending time volunteering in various small villages as a teacher, handyman and anywhere else he was needed.

Clay especially enjoyed reading, fishing, listening to music, exercising and socializing at the YMCA, but his passion was assisting at soup kitchens.

Clay is survived by his sister-in-law: Cora Rein of White Oak, PA; nieces: Ramona Rein of White Oak, PA and Monica Rein-Botti of East Boothbay, ME; nephew: Richard Rein of Evergreen, CO and cousin: Kim Jacobson of Pocatello, ID.

Celebration of the Life of Clay Rein: August 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Bread of Life Lutheran Church – Minot.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the church.

Interment will be at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot.

Memorials are preferred to The Parkinsons Foundation or All Saints Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen.

Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News July 29, 2025.