Clarence A. Damratowski

Clarence “Casey” Damratowski, 89 of Loup City, NE died Monday, May 6, 2013 at his home in Loup City.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City with Father Martin Egging officiating.  Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 10 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church with a Vigil Service and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Health Connect at Home Hospice, Loup City Fire Department or Loup City EMT’s.

Clarence, also known as Casey, was born September 18, 1923 to Frank and Veronica (Baker) Damratowski.  Clarence was raised on a farm west of Loup City and attended a rural school.  Upon graduation, he worked with his father on the farm.  That was in the thirties when drought plagued the area and challenges were many.

January 11, 1969 he married Vivian (Cox) Damratowski at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City.  They resided in Loup City and were members of St. Josaphat’s.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

At an early age he discovered his love for music, and that enriched his life like nothing else.  That self-taught musician used his talents for more than seven decades.

At first he joined other bands to play and sing in the area, but in time he started his own groups.  The “Country Troubadours” was his first, next “Casey and the Renegades”, and later came “Casey and the Good Ole Boys”.  Last, but not least, he joined a group of talented musicians who provide entertainment in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Casey served his community as a volunteer fireman for many years.  He was on the Airport Authority, and served several terms as president.  In 1976 he got his pilot’s license, an accomplishment that gave him great happiness.

Throughout his life he loved to travel, attend music festivals, and spend time with his family and friends.  He was very proud of his three granddaughters, Korryn, Makayla and Kaiya Colleen (also called K.C.).

Survivors of the immediate family include his wife, Vivian (Cox) Damratowski; son, Shawn and daughter-in-law, Kim of Elkhorn, NE; daughter, Tyra and son-in-law, Matt Rohlfs and their three daughters of Omaha, NE; three sisters, Blanche Ellsworth of Loup City, NE; Mary Ellen Damratowski of Grand Island, NE, and Maxine Skarka and brother-in-law, Harold Skarka of Grand Island, NE; sister-in-law, Betty Damratowski of Grand Island, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, Harold Damratowski.