Clarence C. "Cunny" Dercks, a lifelong resident of Little Chute, age 84, was peacefully received into the arms of Jesus on Monday May 23, 2011 at Theda Clark Medical Center with his family at his side. He was born in Little Chute on November 14, 1926 to the late Peter and Ann (Weyenberg) Dercks. He was a 1944 graduate of St. John's High School. Cunny proudly served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He was a 65-year member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258, was a loyal member of the Firing Squad since his retirement and has been the Commander of the squad for the past several years. He took great pride in his role as Commander and touched countless families with compassion in their time of loss. It was his passion to serve his fellow Veterans. He was thrilled to participate in the first Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington D.C. out of the Fox Valley on October 27, 2009 to visit the World War II Memorial. Clarence married the love of his life, Betty Van Roy on October 4, 1952. She preceded him in death May 17, 2005. While working at his job at Kimberly Clark, he also served as Machinist Union President for many years. In addition, he started his own business, Dercks Radio and TV out of his home. After his retirement in 1986 from Kim-tech, he and his wife became snowbirds, wintering with family and friends in Orange Beach, AL. Cunny loved time spent outdoors, including time spent with his family at his cottage on Arbutus Lake.

Clarence is survived by his children: Lilly Warnke, Little Chute; Pete (Karen), Pickerel; Jim (Pat) Appleton; Nancy (Mike) Wydeven, Kaukauna; Barb (Dan) School, Darboy; and Don (Heidi), Vandenbroek; grandchildren: Scott (Kim) and Adam Warnke, Chris (Amber), Andy (Heidi), Matt (Jenni), Ben (fiancée Erin), Beth, Jimmy, Jessi, Holly and Jeremy Dercks;, Michael, Kevin and Elise De Bruin, Amanda Wydeven, Lance School, Lindsey (Craig) Romenesko, great granddaughters: Alexandria, Makayla, Faith and Emma, and was looking forward to the arrival of his first great grandson in July; brother and sister: Mark (Bernice) and Betty (James) Peerenboom; and sisters and brother-in-law: Rita Dercks, Harold Vandenberg and Rita Van Roy. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife Betty and his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his son-in-law Robert "Huck" Warnke; brother and sister: Sylvester Dercks and Marie Vandenberg; and brothers-in-law: Robert and Jack Van Roy.

Visitation will be held Friday May 27, 2011 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Military honors conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

Cunny's family would like to extend a special thank you to the oncology staff at St. Elizabeth, the staff at Peabody Manor and Theda Clark Medical Center for the care and compassion given to him.