Clarence Albertus Senftner | 1928 - 2025

A Mass of Christian Burial for Clarence A. Senftner, 97 of Selby, formerly of McLaughlin, SD will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM (MT) at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in McLaughlin with Father Jim Hoerter, Celebrant. Visitation will be at Kesling Funeral Home on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5-7:00 PM (CT) with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Interment will take place at the McLaughlin City Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Clarence A. Senftner, 97, passed away on May 27, 2025 at the Walworth County Care Center, closing a chapter on a life filled with hard work, devotion, and love.

Born on February 3, 1928, to Frank Senftner and Clara Traxinger Senftner, Clarence grew up in rural Corson County, South Dakota. He attended Roosevelt and Mahto rural elementary schools and graduated from McLaughlin High School.

Tragedy struck when his father passed away while Clarence was a teenager.  He selflessly stepped into the role of being a father figure for his younger sisters. With remarkable determination, he helped his mother manage the family farm and cattle, ensuring the stability and well-being of his loved ones until his sisters graduated and began families of their own. His resilience and kindness defined his character, leaving an indelible mark on those around him.

On June 18, 1960, Clarence married Jean Keller at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and began their married life on a farm three miles south of McLaughlin.  They later purchased a larger home and moved their young family into the city of McLaughlin.

Clarence remained dedicated to agriculture throughout his life.  He guided fellow farmers and ranchers through his work at the Farmers Elevator in McLaughlin, consulting on grain and fertilizer applications.

He was elected to multiple terms as a City Councilman and spent countless hours as a volunteer on the McLaughlin Ambulance Service, ensuring the well-being of others in times of critical need. His dedication to civic engagement was further reflected in his membership in the McLaughlin Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus organizations, where he formed lifelong friendships and contributed to charitable efforts. His knowledge, experience, and willingness to help others strengthened his community and left a lasting impact.

Clarence was a devoted Roman Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in McLaughlin. His faith was a guiding force, providing strength, purpose, and a deep connection to his church and community.

Although his own youth was devoted to the responsibility of farming, Clarence took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. He celebrated their achievements with pride. Clarence enjoyed reading, collecting stamps and coins, fishing and driving the countryside, admiring crops and the changing seasons.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Clara Senftner; in-laws Leo and Margaret Keller; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Leatitia and Joe Burke, Lorraine and Charles Candrian, Lavonne and Merle Lofgren, and Mary Lee & Art Eisenbraun; his son, Mark Senftner; his daughter, Julie Senftner; and his grandson, Tate Senftner.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Senftner; his children, Barbara Sheppard (Matthew), Carol Kracke (Keith), and Tom Senftner (Kari); his daughter-in-law, Lynn Senftner; his grandchildren, Scott Senftner, Nathaniel Sheppard, Kyle Sheppard (Kaela), Zachary Sheppard (Kyra), Kadin Kracke, Marriann Senftner, and Brit Senftner; and his great-grandchild, Indy Sheppard.