Clarence D. Ek, age 81, of Kimball, died September 30 in the comfort of his family and home.

 

A Celebration of Clarence's Life will be held from 2-4 p.m. with a Remembrance Service at 2:30 p.m. Sun., Oct. 7 at Generations Ballroom in Kimball. A private graveside service will take place at Maine Prairie Cemetery.

 

Clarence Dean Ek was born February 26, 1937 in Minneapolis to Eric and Christina (Cook) Ek. He grew up in Minneapolis and enjoyed multiple school sports at Marshall High School. Clarence enlisted in the Army in 1955, served two years in Italy, and returned home in 1957. At the age of 21, he met his future wife, Gail Maki; they were united in marriage on April 30, 1960 in Minneapolis. They lived in Minneapolis until relocating to Kimball in 1975. Clarence worked for Northern States Power, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Moose Club in Minneapolis and the Lion's Club in Kimball. Clarence enjoyed many travels, visiting with family and friends, playing cards, and watching his grandchildren grow. He was a big teddy bear with a hard shell.

 

Clarence is survived by his wife of 58 years Gail; children Dean Ek of Blackduck, Kris (Arnie) Gruenes of Richmond and Debbie (John) Allar of Clearwater; 10 grandchildren Brian (Kristen), Samantha, Dustin, Zachary, Hannah, Arnie Jr., Ashley, Andy, Meaghan and Payton; and 5 great grandchildren Nathan, William, Lillian, Noah and Ethan. He is preceded in death by daughter Jean Anne; parents; and brothers Wayne and Leon.

 

A special thank you to all those who have given their care and support to Clarence and his family during this time.

 

Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services.