BROOKINGS — Clarke E. Christiansen, 86, of Brookings, passed away on Thursday, July, 30, 2020.
Directors of Heaven’s choir, band, and orchestra are celebrating his addition.
Before his move to Brookings for the last five years, Clarke was a life-long Huron resident.
A time of visitation was held on Sunday at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.
A graveside service and interment will be held on Tuesday at Riverside Cemetery in Huron, at 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at a future date due to the current pandemic.
While his resume indicated he was an electrical engineer with Northwestern Public Service Company for 36 years, Clarke’s real passion was music. He sang and played both the tuba and string bass in numerous groups throughout his life, from the dance band, The Collegiates, in the late 1950s and early 1960s to more than 40 years in the Huron Symphony Orchestra, and more than 45 years in the Grace Episcopal Church Choir.
For 26 years he traveled regularly to Sioux Falls to practice and perform in the Augustana College-Community Band. For his commitment to the arts, the Huron Symphony, and the City of Huron, February 20, 2003, was declared Clarke Christiansen Day by Governor M. Michael Rounds.
Through music, Clarke also found his accompanist for the past 59 years, Shirley Hamaker. They passed on their love of music to their children, Diana (Howard Bonnemann) of Brookings, and Stephen (Stacy) of St. Louis, along with their grandchildren, Elias, Kyra, Rebekah, and Kaden.
Born in 1934 to C.H. and Ruth A. Christiansen, Clarke graduated from Huron Senior High School and attended South Dakota State College. His academic career was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He was stationed in Worms, Germany, and Vicenza, Italy.
He returned to Brookings to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics in June 1961. He started at NWPS as a Division Engineer, retiring in 1997 as Manager-Substation Controls. He was a licensed Professional Engineer for more than 30 years.
Baptized at Grace Church, he later served the church through his music and in roles as: Senior Warden, Treasurer, Acolyte Director, Diocesan Convention Delegate, and Lay Reader. He was an active member of the Huron Kiwanis Club for more than 44 years.
His competitive nature meant he expected the best from himself and encouraged those around him to do the same. (Even the daily crossword became a race to complete.) Those who knew him never doubted his sly sense of humor or his overwhelming love for his family.
In honor of Clarke, turn on some jazz or maybe a favorite symphony. Tap your fingers and toes to the beat. Sing or hum along. Celebrate a well-lived, well-loved life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carl ‘Christy’ Christensen Scholarship Endowment that supports students in the School of Performing Arts, or the Harold M. and Betty L. Froslie Physics Scholarship Fund, at South Dakota State University, c/o SDSU Foundation, 815 Medary Ave, Brookings, S.D. 57006.
Visit www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com
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