Obituary: Kenneth Clarke

Kenneth “Ken” Clarke age 98 of Milford, Iowa, formerly of Westbrook, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013 surrounded by his family at the Milford Nursing Center in Milford. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 18 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Westbrook. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Westbrook Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Interment is in Westbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent via www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kenneth Clarke was born December 27, 1914 in Des Moines River Township, Murray County, MN to Sumner and Mildred (Bachman) Clarke. He received his primary education at Country School District #96 and attended Westbrook High School. Ken enlisted in the US Air Force in 1942 and proudly served his country as an airplane mechanic. He was stationed in the United States and France and earned a Medal of Honor for Good Conduct. Ken was honorably discharged in 1945. He farmed with his father and youngest brother, Don, in Des Moines River Township for a number of years after returning from his military service. On November 24, 1950, he was united in marriage to Thelma Boaz at the Windom Methodist Church. Ken bought a Mobil bulk oil business, Duffy’s Oil Company, in 1958 where he was his own bookkeeper, and was well respected by his customers. He sold the business and retired in 1980. Ken also took great pride in his job as church treasurer, an office he held for many years. His meticulous manner in performing this job was evident, as each penny was accounted for each year with no mistakes. Ken enjoyed gardening, yard work and reading the newspaper, all activities he could do at home. His family was important to him and he always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and great–grandchildren. As a gentleman and humble human being, he cared for others and was always willing to lend a hand. Ken, a man of good character with a gentle soul couldn’t wait to get home- home where his heart was each day.

Ken is survived by his children: Doug (Mary Lou) Clarke of Spirit Lake, IA, Maribeth Clarke of Milford, IA, and Richard Clarke of Pipestone; grandchildren Nathan and Jerod (Lori) Clarke; great grandchildren Aidan, Zachary, and Sullivan Clarke; sister Marion Mulder of Slayton; brother Donald (Betty) Clarke of Santa Rosa, CA; 13 nieces and nephews; and the Mitchell families. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Thelma, brothers Lester and Raymond, and brothers-in-law Allen Ouverson and Ralph Mulder.

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