Clarence J. Persak

Clarence J. Persak, 89, of St. Paul, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Revs. Ray Kosmicki, Alex Borzych and James Murphy will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119 of St. Paul. Mr. Persak's body will be cremated following the services, with a private family inurnment in Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul, at a later date. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Persak was born on Dec. 5, 1923, near Farwell, the son of Joe and Agnes (Cours) Persak. He was united in marriage to Al-Marie Jonak on August 12, 1947, at Paplin. He is survived by his wife, Al-Marie of St. Paul; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy “Nic” and Chuck Beck of St. Paul and Deborah “Percy” and Al Barrier of Hallsville, MO. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Mitch and Kelly Smith of Ft. Lupton, CO, Casey and Abbi Smith of Plattsmouth, Dustin and Emily Smith of Grand Island, Darl and Sarah Beck of Tekamah, Sheila Smith of Storm Lake, IA and Courtland King of Hallsville, MO; and 8 great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, Jaden, Charlie, Ben, Brock, Kobi, Quincy and Elliot. At the age of 2 years old, Clarence moved with his family to the Midway area, west of St. Paul, where he received his education in rural schools and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army from May 19, 1945 until Dec. 23, 1945. Upon his discharge he returned to the farm. He and Al-Marie farmed in the Midway area their entire married life. Having been married for over 65 years. Music was a very big part of Clarence's life. Known to many as “Bubbles” or “C.J.” he had played in several area bands, including the Six Fat Dutchmen, Country Troubadours and Bohemian Aces, in which he either played the drums or trumpet. He was a very active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was in charge of BINGO for many years and worked with Al-Marie as funeral dinner chairman. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1918 of St. Paul and Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119 of which he had served on the board of directors. Clarence greatest love was music, but he also enjoyed his computer, emailing and Facebook. He loved the land, his farm and pets and raising Black Angus cattle. He also enjoyed riding his ATV 4-wheeler every day, reading Scriptures, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He always assisted Al-Marie in the making of her famous rag rugs. Clarence was a ornery guy, always teasing and joking, that will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Landon Thomas King. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church or to the family's choice.