Clarence Roosevelt Jerred (88) Member of The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, passed away Friday Afternoon, July 9, 2021 in Omak, Washington. Clarence entered this world Tuesday, September 20, 1932 in Kewa, Washington to the home of Cecil & Margarite Schmintzski-Jerred, one of twenty-two children.
From April 1951 to April 1953, Clarence served his country with United States Army, seeing action during the Korean War, where he earned the “Korean Service Medal” and a “Bronze Star” before receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal. Years later, during a special ceremony in Washington State, Clarence was honored with the “Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal”, which was presented by the Republic of Korea, for his service during the Korean conflict. After completing his military service, Clarence traveled from place to place before settling in Kichx̱áan, (Ketchikan) Alaska, where he worked as a security officer for the “Ketchikan Indian Community.” There, he met and married the love of his life – Maria Natkong, who sadly passed away in December of 2003. Returning home to the Grand Coulee area in 2010, Clarence became reacquainted with his extended family.
A member of the Catholic Church, Clarence was proud that in his younger years, he proclaimed himself to be the first police officer on the Colville Reservation, which at times put him at odds with certain family and friends. Clarence enjoyed watching and feeding his hummingbirds, which would hover close to him, unfrightened while he filled their feeders. He loved his Miniature Pincher “Little Foot” and enjoyed spending time just visiting with friends, As years passed he traded in his pick-up truck for a golf cart and could be seen around Keller visiting friends. He also worked for a time as Foster Grandparent and helped out when needed at the Keller Community Center.
On Friday, July 16, 2021, Clarence was buried with military honors in Keller Community Cemetery, Keller, Washington
Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for Clarence’s family.
Memories and expressions of caring may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com.
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