C.R. Polkingharn

C.R. Polkingharn, 89, lifelong resident of Marne, Iowa, went peacefully to Heaven with his family by his side on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the Heritage House in Atlantic.

Clarence Rae was born on April 23, 1933, in Marne, Iowa, the son of Douglas Clair and Leila Mae (Jons) Polkingharn.  C.R. filled his childhood days being with his favorite guys: his Dad Luger, his Grandpa Doug Sr., his Uncles Winks, Nod and Humper, his Cousin Spig, and many friends. He attended Marne School until the 8th grade and graduated from Atlantic High School with the Class of 1950.  C.R. proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955, attaining the rank of Sergeant.  Throughout his life he continued to stay in touch with his Army buddies.

On March 9, 1956, he was united in marriage to hometown girl Janet Stillian at the Marne Methodist Church.  Ken, as his wife referred to him, and Janet were blessed with two daughters, Sherie and Linda.

C.R. worked for the Rock Island Railroad for several years and then as a rural mail carrier for both the Atlantic and Marne Post Offices for 40 years as well as helping various local farmers.  He was a member of the Marne Methodist Church, Marne Fire Department and the Walnut American Legion Post #3415.

He was an avid gardener, canning and freezing countless pounds of produce through the years, most of which he gave away to others.  C.R. loved to mow, always keeping his yard in tip-top shape.  He was one-of-a-kind no doubt; always surprising you with his quick wit and dry humor.  C.R. often sported his bib overalls with his can of chew in the front pocket for easy access and it was rare you saw him with his shoes tied.  A simple guy indeed; he was happy in whatever he had, even if it was old and worn out!  C.R. loved to talk, Janet even saying often that he could visit with a fencepost. He was a great conversationalist.

Left behind until they meet again in Heaven are his family members that include his children, Sherie Cutler and Linda and John Johnson; his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren who referred to him as Papa Horn: Erik and Rachel Johnson and their sons, Isaac, Noah and Abraham; Emily and Eric Huddleson and their son, Noah Samuel; Haley and Casey Pelzer and their daughters, Gracey and Nelley; Laura and Jesse Robinson and their children, Quincy, Lane, Quade and Joely; Samuel and Emma Cutler; Jeremiah and Gabrielle Johnson and their son, expected to arrive in October; sister in-law, Yvonne and her husband Jimmy; cousins, Don and Anne Polkingharn and many cherished extended family members and friends.

C.R. was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Leila Polkingharn; wife, Janet Polkingharn; and parents-in-law, Harold and Nellie Stillian.

Open visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, July 16th at Roland Funeral Home, followed by visitation with the family present from 11:00 a.m., until the time of the service.   

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 16th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.  The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by noon the following day.  Burial, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held in the Brighton Township Cemetery in Marne, Iowa. Please join us for a meal at the Marne Fire Station following his burial, everyone knows this was always C.R.’s favorite part of any funeral!

Roland Funeral Service is caring for C.R.’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.