Clarence A. Kalsbeek, 88, passed away peacefully on Sept. 9,2025. He was born in Estelline, SD, on Aug. 24, 1937, to Abraham and Frieda Kalsbeek.
Clarence had a life well lived. His life was filled with love and wonderful memories. Raised on a farm in Volga, SD taught him an early sense of responsibility and hard work. He graduated in 1955 and continued farming with his dad until 1963. He went out on his own and 4 years into that adventure he met the love of his life, Peggy Artz, and they were married. They moved to a farm in Clark, SD where they started a family, all while working hard and being a successful farmer. While farming he also played lots of fastpitch softball, once pitching an entire game that lasted 28 innings. He was well known in the fastpitch softball circuit and truly loved the game. Clarence also served on many civic organizations and boards of directors and most notably started the Clark County Rural Water System. He farmed until 1979 and then moved to Watertown, SD where he enjoyed lots of fishing, had a hobby acreage and worked at the salebarn. He was also always available for his girls and their activities and adventures. In 1989 Clarence and his family moved south living in Arkansas and Missouri before landing in Oklahoma.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, of 55 years in 2023. He is survived by his daughters, Kluane (Derrick) Billings of Garfield, Kim Kalsbeek of Afton, OK and his grandchildren Hunter and Piper, who were truly the shimmer in his eye and heart.
There was celebration of life service on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at Split Log Cayuga Mission Church in Grove, Oklahoma.
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