Clarence Michael Wodtka, age 83, of Farina, Illinois passed away at 10:51 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2015 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Illinois. There will be an hour viewing prior to the service. Reverend William Emrick will be officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Peter, Illinois. Memorials may go to St. Peter Lutheran Church and Tuition Fund or donor's choice.

Clarence was born on November 11, 1931 in St. Peter, Illinois, the son of Henry and Emma (Hollmann) Wodtka. He married Jeanette Brauer on April 10, 1955 at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was a lifetime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Peter American Legion, Fayette County Farm Bureau, and several church offices. Clarence went into the armed forces February 28, 1952 and was discharged on November 28, 1953. He took basic infantry training at Fort Riley, Kansas. From there he went to Korea, landing at Inchon September 1, 1952 and was assigned to the 45th infantry division. Also while in Korea, he spent 3 months on Koje Island guarding North Korea prisoners. He received many medals, which include Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Wodtka of Farina, Illinois; two sons, Jim Wodtka (wife Coni) of St. Peter, Illinois and Kevin Wodtka (wife Bev) of St. Peter, Illinois; four grandchildren, Daniel Wodtka, Brian Wodtka, Sarah Hassell, and Corey Hassell; five great-grandchildren, Bailey Wodtka, Sophie Wodtka, Michael Wodtka, Nicole Hassell and Wyatt Hassell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Emma Wodtka; two brothers, Alvin and Elmer Wodtka; one sister, Selma Sasse and one grandchild, Alex Michael Wodtka.