Clarence Allen Papendick

Clarence Allen Papendick, 94, of Grayling, went straight to heaven on Friday, November 13, 2020; his passing was sudden and quick, just as he always wanted.

Born to Eugene and Ida (Newell) Papendick, Clarence was the first of four children and resided in Grayling until the age of 17 when he joined the U.S. Navy during WWII. He sailed on “The Lonesome Polecat” across the Pacific numerous times, delivering supplies in the dead of night to U.S. Troops before sneaking away again. Noted cargo included several cases of beer for a general that arrived at their destination slightly lighter than when they left their origin. Clarence suffered only one injury during his duty: the loss of a fingertip; contrary to many of his family and friends beliefs, it was not a run in with a saw but an incident of the boat pitching whilst he was peeling potatoes. When asked why the fingertip was not reattached, Clarence claimed that there were too many potatoes left to peel to bother.

Clarence returned to Michigan after the war and sailed the Great Lakes ferrying steel and other cargo along Lake Michigan. It was while at port in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, that he met his future wife, Delores Steffen. After a courtship involving letters, phone calls, and dates while at port, the two married and returned to Grayling. The couple had five children and raised them in Grayling where Clarence built his own home and worked at Bear Archery beside his wife and children.

When Bear Archery relocated, Clarence and Delores took their youngest child, Renee, to Colorado where he continued to build houses, thus the misconception of the lost fingertip. Clarence was an excellent builder but a bit accident prone, as anyone who parked next to him was well aware.

Upon retirement, Clarence and Delores returned to Grayling where all five of their children resided. He continued to help build houses, fix things, and improve the homes of those he loved using his vast knowledge and sheer force of will, at times. He often joked that the occasional shocks from electrical work kept him going.

Clarence was an avid hunter and trapper, accompanying his sons and friends on countless trips to the mountains of Colorado to hunt for elk. He enjoyed trapping and his yearly “stress test” that involved falling in the river and making sure he could still escape his waders before they filled with water. In the spring, he would happily report his successes to his horrified family; he always carried his wallet in a zip top bag for just such occasions.

Like his father, Clarence was a Master Mason at the Masonic Temple of Grayling. He served several positions including Worshipful Master. Clarence participated in cooking pancake breakfasts and created the “Beaver Feed,” where he cooked a vat of beaver stew for his fellow Masons. His family often asked what went on at these meetings, and his reply would be, “practice,” until the advent of the internet when his grudging reply became, “go read all about it, it’s on the internet now!”

Clarence is survived by his wife of 68 years, Delores; sons Ed (Terri), Rusty (Pat), and Perry (Vickie Nicholls), all of Grayling; daughters Tina (Jim) Bassett and Renee (Mike) Moery of Grayling and Maple Forest; granddaughters Marilyn (Jerry), Shannon (Derek), Jennifer (Ferris), Autumn, Sara, Cheryl (Justin), and Ashley; his only grandson, born last after so many girls, Nathan; great grandchildren Mason, Skyler, Maddi, Jensyn, Jaden, Karlee, Summer, Caleb, Wesley, Cameron, Isabella, Ares, Silas, and Lily - many of whom called him “Grandpa Jake,” due to his penchant for calling all little boys in the family “Jake,” when he saw them. He also has many nieces and nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews, and cousins he is leaving behind who remember him fondly for his teasing, joking, and smart alec ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kip (Joan), sister Bea (Martin), and baby brother and best friend Vic (Reta) a week prior to Clarence’s departure; granddaughter Angie (John Moggo) was surely waiting for him, with her big smile, and all Papendick’s are likely wreaking havoc in heaven, laughing too loud and teasing everyone, each other most of all, much as they did while on Earth.

He will be missed every day by those that loved him. There will be no funeral service as per Clarence’s request.

Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood,com

Arrangements by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.