Obituary of Clarence J. Ouderkirk

Clarence J. Ouderkirk, Jr., 78, of Groff Road passed away peacefully Saturday, March 21, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the Town of Mohawk February 3, 1931 a son of the late Clarence J. and Ethel Hillman Ouderkirk, Sr. Clarence was a life resident of the area and attended Fonda and Canajoharie schools. As a child he grew up on different area farms and developed a lifelong fondness for planting, gardening and animals, especially horses. Following school he served his country as a Corporal with the US ARMY in Germany from 1952-1954. Clarence married the former Janet Hoyt of Argusville on June 18, 1954 at Argusville Lutheran Church. He was a faithful attendant and member of the Sone Arabia Trinity Lutheran Church in Palatine Bridge. In earlier years, Clarence enjoyed Square Dancing and was a former President of the "Kurley Q's" Square Dance Club. He was also a former member of the Elks Lodge and was a current member of the VFW Post#3275 in Fort Plain. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a former member of the Rolling Mohawk Motorcycle Club. Clarence began his career working as a Truck Driver, delivering fuel for Bauder Gas & Oil until 1976 when he opened his own plumbing and heating business, Ouderkirk, Enterprises in Palatine Bridge, retiring in 2001. Although Clarence enjoyed his hobbies of gardening and visiting with friends and neighbors, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who have brought him much laughter and joy over the years. His loving family includes his wife of nearly 55 years, Janet H. Ouderkirk of Palatine Bridge, one son, Joseph Ouderkirk and his wife, Barbara of Stone Arabia, two grandchildren, Christa and Hans Ouderkirk, one sister, Mildred Chest of Johnstown, and one brother, Robert Ouderkirk and his wife, Nancy of Valley Brook. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents, Clarence was predeceased by one brother, David Ouderkirk and three sisters, Carolyn Eckler, Bea Collins and Shirley Hickey. Funeral Services will be at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Stone Arabia Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 238, Palatine Bridge, NY with Rev. Elaine Berg, officiating. Interment will be in Freysbush Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Clarence's memory may be made to Stone Arabia Trinity Lutheran Church, 5430 State Route 10, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428, Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078, or to Mid-County Ambulance Corp, P.O. Box 453, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.