Clarke, Harry K. 1925-2013

CLARKE, CHRISTOFFERSEN, CREIGHTON, ANGEL, STILES, ANGERER, COON, NELSON

Posted By: Ruth - Volunteer
Date: 6/25/2013 at 10:28:56

Harry K. Clarke, 87, of Clinton, died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at his home in Clinton.

Funeral Services will be 11:00am, Monday, May 6, 2013 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Clinton AMVETS Post #28. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00-8:00pm at the funeral home with a Rose Criox concluding the visitation at 8:00pm

Harry K. Clarke was born on June 14, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Lucille (Christoffersen) Clarke. He was a 1943 graduate of Tilden Tech High School in Chicago. He attended Shimer College in Mt. Carroll and the University of Missouri Diesel School of Engineering. Harry married Darlene Creighton on December 20, 1950 in Clinton.

Harry served in the United States Navy during World War II serving in Europe and the South Pacific theaters. He received 4 Battle Stars while in Europe and 2 Battle Stars in the South Pacific. He also served in the Naval Reserve. He received a citation from the Naval Reserve for heroic conduct while aboard the LCT 35 during the advanced landing in the Anzio-Nettuno Area, Italy. He contributed to the saving of many lives. His exceptional gallantry in critical emergency was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy.

In 1949 Harry started working for Bickelhaupt Motors, purchasing it in 1971, and owning and operating until retiring in 1985.

Harry was a member of the Emmulation Masonic Lodge, Clinton Scottish Rite Bodies, KAABA Shrine, Hi-12, and a former member of the Clinton Jaycees. He enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona, hunting, and fishing. He also enjoyed whittling and carving wildlife especially ducks.

Harry is survived by his wife; Darlene of Clinton; two sons: Ken (Monica) Clarke of Clinton, and Steve (Lisa) Clarke of Clinton; two daughters: Tracey Clarke of Los Angles, California, and Rae Ann (Keith) Angel of Hunnington Beach, California; 7 grandchildren: Charlie, Dave, Liz, and Pete Clarke, Sara and Brent Stiles, and Brian Angel; 2great-grandchildren: Layden Angerer and Mandan Clarke; 2 sisters: Irene (Bob) Coon of Rockford, Illinois, and Nancy Nelson, of Rockford.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister.

Memorials can be made to the Clinton Masonic Association’s Clothe a Child program.