Clarence Jacob ZUMBRUNNEN

Clarence zumBrunnen, age 96, of 420 21st St. SW, and formerly of 1227 McDonald Drive, Huron, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 at the Huron Regional Medical Center. His funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 4th, at the Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Brian Grover and Rev. Dr. William Pfautz officiating, with Masonic Rites by the Masonic Lodge #26 A.F. & A.M. Inurnment of his cremated remains will be held at a later date at Restlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Friends may call Wednesday afternoon and evening and Thursday morning at the Welter Funeral Home or prior to the service at the church Thursday afternoon. Clarence Jacob zumBrunnen was born on December 25, 1907, to Edward and Ida (Schmerse) zumBrunnen at Monroe, WI. He moved with his family to Carthage, SD, where he attended school and graduated from Carthage High School, later moving to Huron. On November 2, 1940, Clarence married Verna F. Block at Duluth, MN. On June 3, 1942, Clarence entered the U.S. Army during World War II and served his country in the Asian-Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on December 2, 1945. He truly was a member of the Greatest Generation. Clarence and Verna owned and operated the Waibel Hardware Store from 1952-1969, then moved across the street where they owned and operated the Little Zee Gift Shop from 1969-1984. After their retirement Clarence continued to operate the Little Zee Key Shop, retiring in 2003. Verna passed away on December 9, 1997, at the age of 79, after 57 years of marriage. Clarence was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Huron since 1928, and held the distinction of being the oldest member of the church. He also was a member of the Board of Trustees of the church for 30 years. Clarence joined the Huron Masonic Lodge #26 A.F. & A.M. in 1947 in which he was very active, including Worshipful Master in 1952, Commandery Commander in 1958, member of the Board of Trustees since 1959, High Priest in 1960, life member of the Eye Foundation, life member of the York Cross of Honor, President of High-12 in 1985, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest in November 1990, and a member of the Mitzpah #9 Order of Eastern Star since 1950. He also was a member of the William Reaves American Legion Post #7 of Huron, and an avid Minnesota Twins fan. In June of 2003, Clarence became a resident of StoneyBrook Suites in Huron where he thoroughly enjoyed the many friendships, and the excellent care. Clarence lived in Huron for 87 of his 96 years and always had nothing but wonderful things to say about his Home Town. He is survived by 1 son, Jeff (Louise) zumBrunnen of Houston, TX; 2 grandchildren, Ashley, and Austin; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Verna; 7 brothers; and 6 sisters

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