Obituary: Doug Clobes built community through bowling and music

Bowlers at Midway Pro Bowl gathered around Doug Clobes' unused bowling shoes and ball after their regular Friday night league one recent evening, reminiscing about their friend as they took sips of a Manhattan with extra cherries ordered in his honor.

"It was sad. The first time I haven't seen him sitting there for 20-some years," said Clobes' longtime league teammate, Tim Turenne. "That was tough."

Clobes, a longtime booster and well-known figure of the Twin Cities gay and lesbian bowling community, died Dec. 29 of cancer. He was 65 and bowled into his last days.

His life was dominated by dueling passions: bowling and classical music. Outside of the bowling alley, Clobes was a classical music aficionado who played several instruments, collected thousands of recordings and even directed the municipal band in Lafayette, Minn. He enjoyed playing duets with friends at his north Minneapolis home, and briefly even kept two pianos for that purpose.

But Clobes touched many as a booster of the gay-oriented bowling leagues that began to take off in the 1980s and 1990s. He helped create the Twin Cities Friday League at Midway, which has been running for about 25 years, and spent years as the league's secretary.

"Everybody knew who he was, whether he was on your league or not," said Dennis Hughes, a friend.

Clobes put in the hours to keep the community active, whether he was helping organize the Paul Bunyan Invitational — a major tournament — serving in leadership roles for the Goodtime Bowling Association, staffing a booth at the Twin Cities Pride Festival or simply tallying everyone's scores.

Clobes was also a talented bowler, with a perfect 300 game to his name. Rich Mies, a friend, recalled him obliging opposing players who asked for advice during championships.

"Everybody had nothing but good things to say about him his whole life," Mies said. "He was just one of the most positive, outgoing people."

Mies said gay-oriented bowling leagues attracted people who weren't as interested in going to gay bars.

Scott Koecheler, co-owner of Midway, said Clobes was often looking for ways to get more people involved. "[He was] always recruiting, always trying to promote the league and bowling in general," Koecheler said.

Earl Moore, a close friend, knew Clobes more for his love of music. Clobes' classical music collection spanned thousands of records and CDs, any of which he could quickly locate upon request. His skills as a musician ranged from piano — he played weekly duets with Moore — to bassoon, organ and even accordion.

In the early 2000s, Clobes began traveling to his hometown of Lafayette to direct the 113-year-old Lafayette Band. He organized the ensemble and its music collection, adding new pieces to its repertoire

"He was the person that pretty much put a new breath of life into that ensemble," Moore said.

Clobes grew up in Lafayette and attended New Ulm High School and the University of Minnesota. He worked as a programmer and data entry associate at Lamar Corporation, then as an office manager at a health care company.

Clobes is survived by his brother, Allan Clobes of Lafayette. A memorial fundraiser is planned March 18 at Midway Pro Bowl.

Eric Roper • 612-673-1732