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- Clarence Walter Prellwitz, 90, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2015, at Syverson Lutheran Home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Clarence was born in the Township of Little Wolf in Waupaca County on October 11, 1924 to William and Mary (Timm) Prellwitz. He grew up on the family farm in Manawa, Wisconsin. He lived in the very same house where he was born and celebrated 84 Christmases there ... always marveling that was a miracle.
In September, 1946 he married Bernice Helen Marie Heidke of New London, Wisconsin where they worked the family farm for 44 years along with their three children. Clarence was baptized, confirmed and was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manawa where he was active as an usher, deacon, sang in the choir and Men's Club, plus participated with many Bible studies.
In addition to church activities, Clarence assisted Bernice as a general 4-H leader for 15 years. Each summer for the annual July 4th rodeo float, Clarence helped prepare the foundation of the float wagon often sawing and welding different parts together before it was finished over with decorating. And for the summer 4-H picnic, he cleared a large patch of hay so that a temporary ball field could be created for the friendly competition followed by the watermelon spitting contest! Once in a while there was even a 4-H project loose animal running the bases!
In 1990 Clarence and Bernice retired from regular farming, but continued to live in the homestead while still caring for various animals, gardening and doing lawn care. Clarence continually checked on "Bobby's" heifers and the dogs and cats would follow him around seeking treats and lots of pets. In 2009 additional health complications for both created the need to move to Eau Claire closer to family and medical attention.
While a resident at Syverson Lutheran Home he was very interested in the music activities and sang with the groups that came in, as well as singing in his room to the CD player. His voice often rang out with hymns of worship or songs from the nifty 50's.
Clarence will be missed by his three daughters - Beverly (David) Szprejda, Pembine, Wisconsin, Ellen and Marcia Prellwitz of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and two grandchildren, Jessie and Zachary Szprejda, currently students at UW-Stevens Point. He is further survived by his nieces Hazel (Earl) Jahsman of Appleton, Ardis Peterson of Neenah and Ramona Bahrke of Appleton, along with other great nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, parents and sisters Ruth (Lloyd) Rewey, Lillian Suehs, Alma (Emil) Bigalke, Clara (George) Zempel, Ann (Herb) Niemuth, Elizabeth Klotzbuecher, Lorraine (Walter) Flater and an infant brother at birth.
Celebration of life will take place at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manawa, Wisconsin with Pastor Vilas Mazemke as officiant on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 1:00 pm with visitation at the church prior beginning at 12:00 noon. Fellowship will coincide with visitation time in the Fellowship Room of the church. Private family interment will be at the Little Wolf Cemetery immediately following the worship service.
In lieu of flowers memorials for Clarence would be welcomed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 742 Depot St, Manawa, WI 54949, the Syverson Lutheran Home, 816 Porter Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or Mayo Clinic Hospice, Eau Claire, P O Box 4105, Eau Claire WI 54702.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Eau Claire, for their professional expertise over the past years in regard to Clarence's health concerns and most recently to the staff of the Syverson Lutheran Home and the Mayo Clinic Hospice team. Also special thanks to the LakeCare Ministries members of Lake Street UMC who visited Clarence while he was a resident at Eau Claire.
Clarence will be fondly remembered for his pursuit to be a great farmer in growing really good crops, raising high-test Holsteins for milk production, hard work and being a good neighbor.
Fuller Speckien Hulke is assisting the family with arrangements. To express condolences online, please visit www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
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1924 - 2015 (90 years)
