Clarence A. Ehrke

Obituary

Clarence August Ehrke was born on January 5, 1929, in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. He was the son of Fred and Ida (Fruetel) Ehrke. Clarence was baptized as an infant on February 2, 1929, by Pastor J.M. Munz and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 29, 1942, by Pastor J.H. Bunge, both at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Lester Prairie. He received his education through the eighth grade and received his GED while serving in the Army.

On February 6, 1953, Clarence entered active military service in the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Clarence was Honorably Discharged on November 16, 1954, having achieved the rank of CPL(T) 3.

On December 9, 1955, Clarence was united in marriage to Ramona Kroells at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg by Reverend Wohlfeil. After their marriage, the couple resided in Bergen Township, McLeod County, Minnesota, on the Ehrke family farm. He was also employed as a painter with Elton Quast. Clarence and Ramona were blessed with two daughters, Gail and Julienne “Julie.” They shared 66 years of marriage.

Clarence was a member of Prairie Community Church in Lester Prairie where he previously served on the church council. He was also a member of the Lester Prairie American Legion Post #463.

Clarence enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead and 500, fishing, dancing, watching football, baseball, and golf on television. Clarence loved farming and took great pride in caring for his farm.  Clarence had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to have fun. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Clarence passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Glencoe Regional Health Services in Glencoe at the age of 93 years. Blessed be his memory.

Clarence is survived by his:
Wife, Ramona Ehrke of Lester Prairie, MN;
Daughters, Gail Rolf of Lester Prairie, MN,
                   Julienne “Julie” Hoof and her husband, James “Jim” of Lester Prairie, MN;
Grandchildren, Christopher Rolf of Lester Prairie, MN, Jodi Hoof of Woodbury, MN, Nichole “Nicki” Rejkowski and her husband, Mike of Carrollton, TX, JaNaye Hoof of Holly Hill, FL;
Great-grandchildren, Avery Rejkowski and Henley Rejkowski;
Sister, Doris Gatz and her husband, Orville of Wayzata, MN;
Sister-in-law, Margie Kroells of Hamburg, MN;
Nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his Parents, Fred and Ida Ehrke; Parents-in-law, Herman and Gertrude Kroells; Son-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Rolf; Sister, Edna Fenske and her husband, Marvin; Brothers, Walter Ehrke and his wife, Dallas, Earl Ehrke and his wife, Gladys; Brother-in-law, Donald Kroells.