Obituary - Clarence C. Scharnhorst

Clarence Christian Scharnhorst, Lewiston

Clarence C. Scharnhorst, 88, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, in Lewiston. He had lived in Lewiston since January 2011. Clarence was born March 10, 1923, at Genesee, and was the fourth of six boys born to Christian F. and Francis Kasper Scharnhorst.

He was raised on the family farm between Genesee and Uniontown and attended the one-room Thorncreek Country School.

Clarence served on a destroyer in the Pacific Ocean for the U.S. Navy during World War II. After he was discharged, he returned to the family farm.

Clarence married Ilene Surry May 1, 1946, and they made their home in Clarkston. They were married for 35 years, and had three daughters and a son. Ilene passed away in November 1981.

He worked for the Clarkston Post Office for 30 years and retired in 1984. Soon after retirement he re-married. They made their home in Cottonwood. Once he retired, Clarence's passions became his yard, garden, travel, but primarily his woodworking. He could often be found in his wood shop as early as 4 a.m. His craftsmanship is treasured by many in the items he created.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Ilene; parents; brother, Ambrose; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Leona Scharnhorst, Eugene and Jeanie Scharnhorst; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Esther and Wally Thorpe and Delores and Donavon St. Marie.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters and sons-in-law; one son; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as in-laws; stepchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter in Lewiston.

Funeral services for Clarence will be Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Lewiston. The rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m., and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11.

Arrangements are under the direction of Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston.

Lewiston Tribune, October 22, 2011, p. 5D
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock