Clarence George Yergert

Clarence George Yergert, 86, of La Junta passed away on February 28, 2021 at the Crowley County Nursing Home. He was born on August 4, 1934 in La Junta to Paul & Lydia (Miller) Yergert. He was the oldest of five. He was born, raised and spent his adult life farming all within the same few miles on Bent’s Fort road.

Clarence went to Bent’s Fort school and La Junta High School, graduating in 1952. He married Jane Henkensiefken on December 26, 1954. After they were married, he worked in Pueblo for the Steel Mill for a short time until he enlisted in the military. Clarence spent four years in the Army and served in Panama where Jane joined him. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and they moved back to the Bent’s Fort area so he could begin farming. During the early years of farming he grew a variety of crops including melons. He would often leave the farm in the evening to drive a truck full of melons to the market in Denver. He would sleep for a few hours in the truck before unloading it at the market and returning home. Clarence and Jane also operated a roadside fruit stand on the front of their property near their house for many years.

Clarence loved following his grandchildren and attended their many events. He was also an avid Tiger fan and attended home and away games for many years. He and Jane were recognized as being special fans by the Tiger Baseball Team.

Clarence also was involved in his church and his community. He was a founding member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and served in a leadership role for many years. He also served on many boards over the years including the East Otero School Board, Colorado Boys Ranch Board of Directors, Bent’s Fort Water Company, La Junta Rural Fire Board, Soil Conservation Board and others. He was also recognized by the La Junta Chamber of Commerce with their Agriculture Award.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jane of La Junta; children, Laurie Guthals of Denver; Mitch (Debbie) Yergert of Arvada; Carol (Greg) Noll of La Junta; grandchildren, David (Katie) Yergert of Atlanta, GA; Jacob (K.J.) Yergert of Greenwood Village, CO; Daniel (Grace) Yergert of Lafayette, CO; Sara Jane & Emily Noll of La Junta; siblings, Ronald (Betty) Yergert of Pueblo West; Robert (Dixie) Yergert of Denver; Nancy (Don) Brul of Albuquerque, NM; Leonard (Debby) Yergert of La Junta; numerous nieces & nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross/St. Andrew's Church. Due to COVID guidelines, in-person seating is limited. Please feel free to attend the memorial service online on Facebook (Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home).

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Clarence’s name to the Holy Cross/St. Andrews Church direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.