Monticello Pastor, 3-Year-Old Son’s Funeral Friday
MONTICELLO, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Funeral services are scheduled Friday, October 23, for pastor Stephen Clayton and his 3-year-old son, David.
Both died in an October 12 crash on Interstate 90 near Kimball, South Dakota.
The service will take place at The North Church in Mounds View, Minnesota.
Funeral Services Scheduled for Friday
Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Friday at The North Church, 5151 Program Avenue.
A joint funeral service follows at 11 a.m., with a reception afterward.
The funeral home’s obituary confirms the service times and location.
The family plans to bury Stephen in Spearfish, South Dakota, at a later date.
Deadly Interstate 90 Crash Near Kimball
The crash happened around 2 p.m. October 12, about eight miles east of Kimball.
South Dakota officials said a pickup was pulling a stock trailer west on Interstate 90.
A wheel came off the trailer, crossed the median, and struck the family’s eastbound Honda Odyssey.
Stephen Clayton, 31, and David, 3, suffered fatal injuries.
Stephen’s pregnant wife, Katie Clayton, 24, suffered life-threatening injuries.
The couple’s 11-month-old son, John, was treated for minor injuries.
The pickup driver was not injured.
State officials said everyone in the vehicles wore seat belts.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
Additional details are available through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
Photo: Bethlehem College and Seminary.
Pregnant Wife Recovering From Serious Injuries
The family was returning to Minnesota after visiting Katie’s parents in Spearfish, according to a family fundraiser.
Katie was flown to Sioux Falls and underwent surgery for injuries to her jaw and face.
The fundraiser says her unborn child was not injured.
Stephen Clayton Remembered for Ministry and Music
Stephen had served as pastor at Becker Evangelical Free Church since 2024.
Before entering ministry, he studied music and played the bass trombone professionally.
He later graduated from Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis.
Stephen also spent three years working at The North Church while attending seminary.
In a published tribute, Steven Lee remembered Stephen’s care for his family and church community.
The family’s obituary says Stephen enjoyed music, family walks, and time with his two sons.
David’s obituary remembers his love of reading, music, and learning about the world.
He enjoyed asking questions about cars and listening to his father play the trombone.
Community Raises Support for Clayton Family
Friends have organized a fundraiser to help Katie and the children with medical and family expenses.
The appeal also aims to ease funeral costs during the family’s recovery.
Organizer David Stabley has shared information about the family’s needs and funeral plans.
Readers can learn more or offer support through the Clayton family fundraiser.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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