Clarence L. Moerike, Sr.

Clarence Lee Moerike, Sr., 87, of Ellensburg, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. His funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg with burial to follow at High Valley Memorial Park.  Viewing for family and friends will be Friday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Clarence was born July 3, 1935 on a farm outside of Lucas, South Dakota to Raymond and Margaret (Bahm) Moerike.  At eighteen years old, Clarence joined the Army during the Korean War but stayed stateside due to the war ending. While stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington, Clarence met Barbara Jean Hurst of Ellensburg and they married on October 19, 1955. Following his discharge from the Army in the spring of 1956, the young couple moved to Clarence’s grandmother’s farm in South Dakota where he farmed and raised and sold coon hounds. In March 1957, daughter Wanda was born followed by son Clarence, Jr. in April 1958.

Times were tough in South Dakota, so in March 1968, Clarence and Barbara moved to Ellensburg where they bought a farm. He considered this the best move of his life. It was in Ellensburg that Clarence learned to be a carpenter and also raised sheep. In February 1970, daughter Jeanine was born, and in that same year, Clarence started his contracting business known as “Moerike’s Contracting” that he owned and operated for many years.

Clarence loved fishing and hunting, especially the time he spent at hunting camp, an annual tradition of over 50 years.  He also traveled annually to hunt with his brothers in South Dakota. Other enjoyments were gardening (frequently donating the produce), being with family and friends at the clubs dancing, telling stories and pulling pranks. Perhaps the greatest joy in Clarence’s life were his four great-grandchildren - Natalie, Lainey, Dominick and Bailey.

Clarence is survived by his wife Barbara Jean (Hurst) Moerike at the family home in Ellensburg; daughters Wanda Moerike Waters (Bruce Jordison) of Ellensburg; Jeanine Moerike Dobson (Mark Crider) of Roslyn; daughter-at-heart Tina Indermuhle; grandchildren Amanda Richardson (Jacob) of Ellensburg and Ronald Moerike of Cheney; great-grandchildren Natalie and Lainey Richardson and Dominick and Bailey Moerike, all of Ellensburg; brothers Lyle Moerike (Shirley) of Gregory, SD and Donald Moerike of Burke, SD; sisters Lou Jean Beranek (James) of Hamill, SD and Yvonne Umberger (Don) of Belle Fouche, SD, as well as his special niece Linda and husband (considered Clarence’s brother) “Butch” Glen Hannahs of Eatonville, WA along with several other nephews and nieces and his sister-in-law Linda Moerike of Burke, SD.

Clarence was preceded in death by his son Clarence Moerike Jr; grandson Preston Waters; son-in-law (whom Clarence considered his son) Wes Dobson; brother Wesley along with sisters Eva “Tillie” Hedlund, Neva “Tiny” Hedlund, Dorothy Beranek and Julia Hedlund.

Memorial contributions in Clarence’s honor are suggested to KVH Hospice, 1506 Radio Road, Ellensburg or to Hospice Friends, 302 E. Second Avenue, Ellensburg.  The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the KVH Hospice team for the exceptional care provided during Clarence’s last interval.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Mr. Moerike and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service has been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording on a thumb drive, please contact our office.