CLARENCE M. BREKKE

Clarence Martin Elmer (C.M.) Brekke, 96, of Devils Lake, ND claimed God’s promise of eternal life on December 13, 2012. Clarence was born June 15, 1916, in Blaben, North Dakota, the youngest child of Thorvald (T.M.) and Inger (Stubsjoen) Brekke. He moved to Hatton, North Dakota with his parents in 1923. He was educated in the Hatton public schools and attended Mayville College. On July 3, 1940, Clarence married Madeline (Madge) Evenson. Their union of sixty-five years became a gift to their friends, children and grandchildren as together, through their loving example, they left a legacy of true and unending love. Clarence was employed with the Harrington Brothers Livestock Company in Mayville and Rugby for 20 years. In 1960 Clarence and Madge moved to Devils Lake where Clarence was manager of the Lake Region Auction Market and was associated with the livestock business for ten more years. Later he was employed as office manager of Dodge Towne/ Devils Lake Chrysler Center until his retirement in 1982. As a member of St. Olaf Church, Clarence was involved in the Men’s Club, was the church Financial Secretary and Sunday morning bell ringer for many years. He enjoyed membership in the Odd Fellows, Elks Club, and was a Life Member of Sons of Norway. Later on he was a supporter of the Devils Lake Senior Center. Clarence was an avid sports fan who also took pleasure in gardening, fishing and playing pinochle. He truly enjoyed being available to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. Clarence and Madge were recognized as community Unsung Heroes and received this recognition based on their many hours of volunteer work in the community. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, five sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his children: Bonnie Hanson (Jon), Sister Bay, WI, Steven Brekke (Patti), White Bear Lake, MN, grandchildren: (Bonnie) Ingrid Stukerjurgen (Jay), Ankeny, IA, Breta Brown (David), Nikiski, AK, Major Thor Hanson (Belinda), Lake Bluff, Il, grandchildren (Steve) Jessica Brekke, St. Paul, MN, Stephanie Williams (Jamie), Minnetonka , MN, great grandchildren (Bonnie) Brek and Finn Stukerjurgen, Jakob and Sarah Brown, Ayla, Elana and Soren Hanson, great grandchildren (Steve) Charlie and Gabby Welsch, Emmy Lou and Mack Williams. A graveside memorial service and interment will take place at St John’s Cemetery, Hatton, North Dakota in May, 2013. Memorials may be directed to the Sons of Norway Heim Lodge # 178, Educational Cultural Program Clarence Brekke Memorial, at Sons of Norway, 208 Creel Ridge Rd. Devils Lake, ND 58301