Clarence Willis John Jerke

Hot Springs, SD – On June 1st, 2025, Clarence received the call and was escorted on the wings of angels to reunite with so many that have gone before.  It comforts us to know he now walks with Jesus.

Clarence was one who truly was guided by three main principles - Faith, Family, and Country.  Always humble and aware of the blessings God had bestowed, Clarence reflected a lesson in what gratitude, peace, and contentment looks like.

Strong in his faith, it carried him through everything he encountered.  All who met him knew he had a never-ending smile and always a story to recall.  Never one to complain or worry, he was undoubtedly the most positive and cheery person most have met. He knew his God was the one in charge and cast all his worries to Him.  Truly he was an inspiration.

Raising a large family (8 children), Clarence devoted himself to doing whatever it took to take care of them.  He farmed and ranched a majority of his life, later moving to the Black Hills and starting a new chapter operating a greenhouse and lawn/garden business.  Clarence and his wife Beverly did their best to ensure their family was brought up with morals, principles, and faith in God.  While not one to brag, Clarence did often speak of how proud he was of the family he and his wife Beverly had raised.  To unwind he enjoyed watching rodeos and baseball (the Rockies were his favorite team), listening to polka music, and gardening (he was known for his green thumb and magic touch with roses and tropical hibiscus).  He loved attending the German Fest in Hill City for many years – even dancing on the tables with his beer mug!  And, he had a fondness of Jack Daniels – taken with ice and water at the end of a long day.

Clarence volunteered to serve his country by enlisting for the Korean War.  Although he was only in the Army for a short time, he quickly rose to Seargent 1st Class, earning two Bronze Stars.  He often got the troops up and going by going around tent to tent in the snow, shirtless and shoeless – by choice, because he believed in leading by example. It was a principle he always adhered to his entire life.

Clarence is survived by his children, Doug Jerke – Alliance, NE; Lee (Alma) Jerke – Alliance, NE; Scott Jerke – Winter Park, CO; Deb Nelson – Great Falls, MT; Sandie (Jason) Ingersoll – Rapid City, SD; Matt (Sue) Jerke – Monteagle, TN; Karen (Curtis) Street – Hill City, SD; Jake Jerke and Monique Wilson – Rapid City, SD; 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.  Clarence joins his wife, parents, 3 siblings, and 1 grandchild in heavenly peace.

Very special thanks and gratitude to the residents and staff at the State Veterans Home in Hot Springs for their outstanding care.  Truly, they have become like family.  Clarence was always very appreciative of the friendships forged and all of the care and consideration he was given.  It did not go unnoticed.  Much like a child giddy with excitement, telling everyone about the new toy they received, he often spoke of the amazing care he was given.  Little things which are often taken for granted, like a friendly smile, assistance with mobility, scenic drives, transportation to and from doctor appointments, daily care – meals, baths, medicine – he always spoke of these wonderful things which were done for him and the of people that assisted him when needed.  His heart was genuinely full of gratitude and love for all the caretakers – from CNAs to nurses, maintenance to transportation, activities to office staff—he appreciated them all.

Clarence is laid to rest, reunited with his beloved wife Beverly, in the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.   Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Battle Mountain Post 71 – Hot Springs, SD.