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Clayton Tonnemaker

Center

Inducted 1980

Date of Birth

6/8/1928

Birthplace

Ogilvie, MN

School

University of Minnesota (1946-1949)

Bio

A 6-2, 237-pounder during his playing days at Minnesota, Clayton Tonnemaker captured unanimous All-America honors as a senior in 1949 when he captained Bernie Bierman's powerhouse Golden Gophers. He was a third-team pick as a junior. He sparked the Gophers to a 25-11 record during his four years of varsity action. The native of Ogilvie, Minnesota was co-captain of the College All-Star squad which defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 17-7. He was co-captain of the East team in the 1949 Shrine East-West Game. The East beat the West 28-6. Tonnemaker scored a touchdown, running 70 yards with an intercepted pass. Clayton served 30 months with the Army in the Korean War. He was a first lieutenant when discharged. He played pro with the Green Bay Packers 1950, 1953, and 1954. His top salary was $8,500, and he left football to start a business career. He joined Cargill Corp., a grain company, and became vice-president. In 1977 he became president of the Coal Creek Mining Co. in Billings, Montana.