Clarence Hake, Tipton
November 29, 1927 - November 26, 2021
Known as Pappy to most, Clarence was born on November 29, 1927 to Henry and Marie (Schlenz) Hake in Tipton, Kansas. Clarence was the second of seven children and attended St. Boniface Grade School, graduating from Tipton High School in 1945.
He asked former classmate Marilyn Pfeiffer “Will you marry up with me?” and they were joined in marriage on September 4, 1950 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Tipton. They celebrated 71 years together in September.
A son of Tipton, Clarence learned carpentry from his uncle in his youth and was known for his woodworking skills and ingenuity. Clarence farmed, did maintenance work for Pizza Hut, was a finish carpenter, and helped construct the Tipton Community School. Clarence designed and built the Ferris wheel that still graces the Tipton church picnic decades later. Raising seven children with Marilyn, he built a home for his family east of Tipton that is now Blue Hills Lodge. He built the place “stick by stick,” using redwood recovered from water tanks that had powered steam locomotives, and was proud of the lake he designed and every tree he planted.
Pappy loved the best things in life. He was happiest looking out over the land from his shed, tucking into a good meal, pulling out a bottle of moonshine or Corona, drawing out a joke to its punchline, and singing tunes like “Rubin, Rubin” and “Bill Grogan's Goat.” A highlight of his life was his trip to Alaska fishing for king crab, halibut, and salmon. He spent many years setting up Marilyn’s booth at art shows, including his favorite, the Winfield Bluegrass Festival. At Blue Hills Lodge, he loved building up a fire for the hunters while swapping jokes. The Lodge allowed him to share his life’s work and stories with others. Many hunters returned every year and became a part of the Blue Hills family.
Clarence leaves a family that will treasure the legacy he left us. Every time we put a new generation on the Ferris Wheel, gather in the shed, or dance in the kitchen, we’ll be thankful for the years we had with him.
Clarence is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children Jan Hake of McPherson, Lisa Hake of Tipton, Leslie and Jim Shirack of Salina, Lila and Felton Lawrence of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Mark Hake of Tipton, and Mary Lynn and Dave Rauch of Sandia Park, New Mexico; his grandchildren Drew and Brandi Shirack of Salina, Lindsey Shirack of Austin, Texas, Ashley and Ray Ofosu of Edmond, Oklahoma, Kacey and Matt Price of Luther, Oklahoma, Addison Rauch of Nashville, Tennessee, Mason Rauch of Oceana Naval Station in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jackson Hake of Whitesboro, Texas, and Rory Hake of Whitesboro, Texas; and great-grandchildren Carter Shirack, Isaiah, Eli and Ainslee Ofosu, and Jordyn, Khloe and Kyler Price.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Galen, his grandson Blake Shirack, his sister Luella (Sister Paulette), and his brother Arthur.
He is survived by three sisters, Rosemary Joslyn of Beloit, Etta Jean Walker of Hemet, California, Margaret Eck of Beloit, and his brother, Norman Hake of Tipton.
Clarence was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Tipton Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, November 29 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. A rosary service will be at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, and visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the rosary service begins at the Church.
Memorials may be given to Resident Care Center, Solomon Valley Hospice, or Tipton Schools.
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