Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at First Lutheran Church, concluding with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service.

Clayton Irving Gerken was born on August 6, 1935 to Irving “Tony” and Dorothy (Colestock) Gerken in Hecla, SD. He attended school at the Johnson School.

In May of 1953 he was united in marriage to Lois Arlene Price in Britton, SD. He worked for Buss Tisher until the Fall of 1955 when they moved to Redondo Beach, CA where he worked for Harvey Aluminum Factory for a few years. While he lived there he went to trade school for upholstery work and they moved back to Britton in 1963. That is when he purchased the shoe repair business from Kenny Marcuson and started Gerken Upholstery and Shoe Repair. He continued doing upholstery work until the fire on August 31, 2021 where he said, “I am going to miss my customers” as his house and business were on fire. His love of flowers and a big garden came from his mom and aunts, and he loved sharing his produce with others.

On March 9, 1996 he married Bonnie Hagen Atkinson who brought a lot of fun and joy to his life. He learned to love the sport of golfing with her family.

On March 30, 2024 he entered Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare Center and Nursing Home. While there he would wink and wiggle his ears as he passed the nurses stations or as they walked by.

Clayton passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Wheatcrest Hills in Britton, at the age of 90.

He is survived by his children, Daryl Gerken of Geddes, SD, Deborah (Miles) Thompson of Forman, ND, and Randall (Candace) Gerken of Britton, SD; step-children, Rick (Becky) Atkinson of Sioux City, IA, Peggy (Doug) Jones of Yankton, SD, Royce (Lisa) Atkinson of Sioux City, IA, Brad Atkinson of Britton, SD and Patty (Kieth) Niesen of Britton, SD; his grandchildren: Dustin (Tory) Thompson, Mindy (Tony) Donovan, Tanya (Kenny) Hamilton, Christina (Doug) Novak, Rebecca Gerken, Shantelle (David) Wade, Jessica (Will) Gerken, Jennifer (Darin) Gerken, Cameron (Jacki) Gerken; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Darlys (Terry) Nehlich; brother, Jerry (Jeanne) Gerken; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Lois Gerken on February 28, 1995; his second wife, Bonnie Gerken on September 16, 2024; one sister, Thelma Swearingen; granddaughter, Angela Gerken; and many extended family members.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Randy Gerken – 1305 6th St. – Britton, SD 57430.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com