Clara Dean (Berkel) Young

Clara Dean Berkel Young 76, of Eldorado, IL., passed from this earth, into the arms of Jesus, at Deaconess Hospital, in Evansville, In., on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Clara was born the oldest child of Mary Dorothy [Casteel] Berkel and Andrew James Berkel, in Eldorado, Illinois, on March 1st, 1944. She had three younger siblings; Helen Sue (Russell) Swarringin, Andrew Newton 'Bud' Berkel, and, Mary Ann (Lawrence) Wright, all of Harrisburg., IL. Clara had many nieces and nephews that held a special place in her heart. Clara was the mother of 5 daughters; Roburta Dean (James) Blagg, of Anna, IL., April Sonya (Jerry)Trout , of Eldorado, IL.,Mary Margaret (Steve) Reynolds, of Equality, IL., Shelsea Ranae Irvin, of Benton, IL., and, Robin Lynn Fore, of Lawrencville, IL. She had 21 Grandchildren and 45 Great Grandchildren. Clara was preceded in death by her Grandchildren, Anthea Nicole Wheeler, Michael Scott Earp, Shane Trout, Great Grandchildren, Margaret Ales, and, Nathan Beattie, younger brother, Bud, sister, Mary Ann, her parents, Andrew and Mary Dorothy, her maternal Grandparents, Mary Molly, and Jessie Newton Casteel, her paternal Grandparents, Andrew Edward and Margaret 'Maggie' Larkin Berkel, her son-in-law, Jerry, and, probably a good many that thought they would outlive her! In her lifetime, Clara, above all else, maintained a wicked sense of humor! Clara was a Christian by faith, she was raised as a Catholic- her fathers religion, but, later attended a non denominational church, as the Father portrayed through this faith was one of never ending, and non-judgmental, love. Throughout her life, Clara cultivated many interests and hobbies, was an accomplished seamstress, and a retired Hairdresser. In her younger years, she was an avid drag racing fan, and could often be found at the tracks- both as a fan, and a participant! Clara drag raced for many years at tracks near St Louis Mo., and Alton, IL. She also had trophies from her Demolition Derby days! Cars were a passion of Claras, and, she loved to go fast! Unfortunately, she passed that love of speed along to her daughters! Clara learned carpentry from her father, and remodeled, and helped build, many homes- also something she passed on to her girls! Clara was never one to sit still for long, she enjoyed traveling, and often bragged that if it had wheels on it, she could drive it, and she did! All the way from go carts, motorcycles, and, every size truck, including an 18-wheeler, and it tickled her pink to let you know it! When it was all said and done, Clara had a hunger and thirst for life that is usually found in people her grandkids age, and she will be missed by every member of her sometimes unruly bunch, and so many relatives and friends! I know her Bingo buddies will miss her terribly! Rest well Clara Dean, you were something else!

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday August 18, 2020 at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado.  Visitation will be Tuesday 11:00 am to service time.  Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com