Clarke, Ernest

Ernest Clarke, 87, died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, after several years of declining health. His loving wife, Shirley, was at his side along with other family and caring nursing staff at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion, Iowa.

Ernest's memorial service will be held at the Springville United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. A luncheon will follow the service where friends are invited to greet the family. Interment of the ashes will be at Wilcox Cemetery in Viola, following the luncheon. Memorial gifts may be designated to the Springville United Methodist Church.

Ernest was born June 7, 1924, at Mechanicsville, Iowa, the first son of Sydney and Gladys (Keagle) Clarke. He graduated from Viola High School in 1942. After two years in the U.S. Army, he farmed in Linn and Jones counties.

Ernest's first loves have always been his wife, his family and his farms. He and Shirley (Armstrong) Clarke spent nearly 67 years caring for one another “in sickness and in health.” They were married on Nov. 8, 1944, before Ernest left for overseas duty in World War II. Their gratitude for his safe return was always evidenced in their love for family, friends and country. After retiring from farming, Ernest greatly enjoyed restoring old John Deere tractors (and one Farmall) in his workshop at their Springville home.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his daughter, Barbara Oakland and her husband, Jerry of Marion; son, Gary and his wife, Beth (Stangl) Clarke of Ames; and son, Alan and his wife, Barb (Buresh) Clarke of Longwood, Fla. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought special joy to Ernest's life. Remembering special times with their “Pop-Pop” are Deborah and Brian Enabnit, Maxwell and Meredith, of Dubuque, Betsy and Jay Garey and Anna of Minneapolis, Minn., Aprille Clarke and Denny Crall, Miles and Tobin, of Iowa City, Adam Clarke of San Francisco, Calif., Laura and Joe Blasi of Kansas City, Mo., Tyler Clarke of Lincoln, Neb., and Erin and Brad Lewter of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Brothers and sisters, remember Ernest fondly: Roger and Susan Clarke of Central City, Loren Clarke of Beijing, China, Beverly and Philip Leipold of Davenport, Leon and Dorothy Shaffer of Monticello, Donna and Lee Schoon of Marion, George and Pat Armstrong of York, Neb., and Carol and Paul Clark of Dubuque. A host of cousins, nieces and nephews also celebrate his good life.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 11, 2011.