Greensburg Daily News
Thursday, November 10, 2010
Clarence E. "Cork" Kerker, Jr., 83, of Batesville, died Sunday, Nov. 7 at the Waters.
He was born May 23, 1927 in Batesville. He is the son of Marie (Ollier) and Clarence Kerker, Sr. He married Miriam "Mim" Firsich Jun. 16, 1953 at St. Louis Church in Batesville. She precedes him in death.
Cork was Superintendant of the Hoegeman Plant for Batesville Casket Company 40 years before retiring in 1986. He served in the Army during World War II and was a member of Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271, the Batesville VFW Post #3183 and St. Louis Church.
He is survived by his daughter Nancy Meyer of Batesville; his sons Mike and Pat of Batesville; his sisters Rosemary Holtel, Barbara Heidlage, Rita Goldsmith of Batesville; his sister Betty Waters of Cincinnati; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
A devout man, Cork's gretes pleasure was spending time with family, especially grandchildren. Rarely did he miss an event or function in which they participated, such as games and school programs.
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 like to talk player stats or critique the manager's decisions with his grandsons.
Not only a hardworker, 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 she died, the kids were astonished to find that their dad was an excellent cook. Once the kids learned that his cooking was, not only eligible, but quite delicious, a weekly tradition began on Friday nights; the family would come over for supper, and he would often make his favorite meal: Pot roast and mashed potatoes. His talent for cooking also extended to baking, and according to his family, "He made the best oatmeal cookies and apple pie you'll find." He also liked to spoile the grandchildren by making each of their favorite sweat treats.
A visitation will be held 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 at Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at noon at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stephen Akange officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.
Hij is getrouwd met Mariam J. Firsich.
Zij zijn getrouwd op 16 juni 1953 te St. Louis Church, Batesville, Ripley County, Indiana, Verenigde Staten, hij was toen 26 jaar oud.
Clarence E. Kerker | ||||||||||
1953 | ||||||||||
Mariam J. Firsich |