Clarence Berk, 98 passed away at his home in Sturgis surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.  The services will be held Monday, October 27, 2008 at 2:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis, S.D.  Burial followed at Bear Butte Cemetery.  Visitation on Sunday from 12 to 7 with family being present from 2 to 4 at Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis.

Clarence was born September 6, 1910 in Rushville, Nebraska to Jasper and Anna (Witt) Berk.  In 1925 Clarence and his family moved to Sturgis, South Dakota.  On April 15, 1933 he married Ella Grace Davis in Sturgis.  They shared 63 loving years together.  Clarence loved the Black Hills and through the years worked in logging, building dams and roads, and running heavy equipment.  Many years of his life were spent working for   Meade County maintaining roads and building bridges, where he retired from in 1975.  After retiring Clarence and Ella enjoyed camping and fishing.  He was also was an avid gardener well known for his tomatoes and cucumbers which were distributed to many friends and family.  But his most treasured times were spent with family, especially at his annual birthday reunion celebrations.  He was a member of the Red Dale Campers and the Sturgis Senior Citizen Center.  Throughout his 83 years in Sturgis he had many good friends and acquaintances.

Blessed to have shared in his life are his three daughters, Hazel (Dean) Parker, Hazen N.D.; Wilma (Harold) Canaday, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Marlene (Steve) Adolph, Whitewood, S.D, and son-in-law Marlin Connelly Sturgis, S.D.  15 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ella, infant daughter Loretta, daughter Leona Connelly, grandson Anthony Schleuning,  twin great grandsons Brian and Michael Connelly his parents and 4 sisters.