Clarence Harold JESKE

JESKE, Clarence Harold Born October 11, 1924, passed away Saturday, March 19th on the family farm, surrounded by his loving family and wife of 65 years, Claudia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Minnie Jeske, three brothers, George, Emanuel, and Ray. Survived by a twin brother and sister, Elmer and wife Roxanne Jeske of Anchorage, AK, and Elsie and husband Don Risen of Modesto, CA and numerous nieces and nephews. Clarence leaves behind his wife Claudia at the family farm, Spangle, WA; three sons, Jerry Jeske and Teresa Engle of Fairfield, WA, Tom Jeske of Spangle, WA, and Rick Jeske and wife Colleene of Spangle, WA; six grandchildren, Jeremy and wife Dana Jeske of Spokane, WA, Jarred and wife Sherri Jeske of Yelm, WA, Brandon Jeske and friend Racy of Spangle, WA, Lori Jeske and fiancé Jeff Wilbanks of Vancouver, WA, Brian Jeske and fiancée Casey Jo Berg of Spangle, WA, and Caitlin Jeske of Spangle, WA; three great-grandchildren, Justin in Spokane, Jake and Jordyn in Yelm. Clarence was born in Warden, WA and resided there with his parents and brothers till age four. The family moved to Rosalia where he helped with the daily duties of living on a farm. He attended school in Rosalia and later graduated from Spangle High School in 1942. His first experience with farm equipment involved a horse drawn rod-weeder. He later operated a combine pulled by a caterpillar tractor. In 1945 he married his wife of 65 years and lived on a wheat farm near Spangle. It was there that the two of them raised three sons, had dairy cattle, pigs, and of course dad's favorite, mom's chickens. Clarence was not only an excellent farmer, but also an avid gardener. The bet among family was who would raise the first ear of corn. He always planted two weeks later than the rest of us and always won the bet. He was always quick to share his harvest with family and friends. Clarence was a leader of the Spangle Omaha Woodmen Boys Club for 11 years. He was also one of the original founders of the Spangle Gun Club and a member of the Spangle Service Club. After the boys got older, weekends were spent at Williams Lake at their cabin, enjoying fishing, boating and family and friends that dropped by. Nothing made him happier than a family get-together with the grandchildren and later the great-grandchildren. He was truly a family man. He and Claudia spent 41 seasons together at their lake place. Clarence worked the farm until age 77, when he retired. The family would like to acknowledge special friends, Beth and Leonard Zehm, and Karen Smith for the loving support she showed during this difficult time. And also special thanks to the group of caregivers that were there for both dad and mom, day and night. God bless you one and all. Arrangements by RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE. Viewing times are Wednesday, March 23rd from 9am to 8pm and Thursday, March 24th from 9am to 8pm. Graveside service will be held at the Rosalia IOOF Cemetery Friday, March 25th at 1:00pm, followed by a celebration of life at the Spangle Service Club on Main St. in Spangle, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.