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.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Kenneth Clarke was born December 27, 1914 in Des Moines River Township, MN to Sumner and Millie (Bachman) Clarke.  He attended country school District #96 and 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 Good Conduct Medal.  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 bulk oil business, Duffy Oil Company, in 1958 where he was his own bookkeeper, and was well respected by customers and friends.  He sold the business and retired in 1980.  A big joy of Ken’s life was being church treasurer.  He was proud of this job and was very meticulous in that every penny was accounted for.  Ken enjoyed gardening, yard work, and traveling, but home was his favorite place.  Family was important to him and he loved spending time with them and seeing his grandchildren.  Ken was always willing to help others.  He was a very strong person with a gentle soul.  Ken was a humble and caring human being.

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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