Clarence E. Kerker's Obituary
Clarence E. Kerker Jr., age 83 of Batesville, died Sunday, November 7, 2010, at The Waters. Born May 23, 1927 in Batesville, he is the son of Marie (Nee: Ollier) and Clarence Kerker Sr. He married Miriam Firsich June 16, 1953 at St. Louis Church in Batesville. Cork was the Superintendant of the Hoegeman Plant for Batesville Casket Company 40 years before retiring in 1986. He served in the Army during WWII and was a member of Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271, the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and St. Louis Church. A devout man, Cork’s greatest pleasure was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Rarely did he miss an event or function any of them participated in, whether it was one of their games, a school program, etc. His other true passion was being outdoors. According to his family countless hours were spent “either fishing and trapping in the Salt Creek or on the hills around it hunting rabbits, turkeys and squirrels.” At the age of 78 he bought a quad runner and enjoyed trail riding with his sons. Cork was also an avid Reds fan and liked to talk player stats or critique the manager’s decisions with his grandsons Not only was he a hard worker, but Cork took pride in his work. Keeping the plant equipment operating smoothly sometimes meant long hours or being called back to work in the evenings, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. While the Hoegeman plant was his responsibility, at home, the kitchen was Mim’s domain and Cork wasn’t allowed. So naturally, after mom died, the kids were astonished to find out that dad was an excellent cook. Once the kids learned that not only was his cooking edible, but quite delicious, soon a tradition of inviting the family over on Friday nights for supper began and he would often make his favorite meal of pot roast and mashed potatoes. His talent also extended to baking and according to his family “made the best oatmeal cookies and apple pie you’ll find.” He liked to spoil the grandkids with whatever each of their favorite sweet treats were.He is survived by his daughter Nancy Meyer; sons Mike and Pat, all of Batesville; sisters Rosemary Holtel, Barbara Heidlage, Rita Goldsmith, all of Batesville, Betty Waters of Cincinnati, Ohio; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. In addition to his wife and parents, he is also preceded in death by brothers Jerome and Robert Kerker. Visitation is Saturday, November 13th, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at Noon at St. Louis Church, with Rev. Stephen Akange officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to St. Louis School.
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