Clarence Shirk

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kutztown Area Auctioneer, Clarence N. Shirk, 63, of Maxatawny Township, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Clarence was born on July 1, 1962, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and spent his life deeply rooted in his community and passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, November 5, 2025. He was the husband of Louise B. (Snyder) Shirk, whom he married on November 14, 1985.

Born on his family farm in Maxatawny Township, Clarence was a son of the late Ivan W. and Emma H. (Nolt) Shirk and was a member of Walnuttown Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference, Fleetwood.

Clarence attended Reading Area Community College where he received his Auctioneering Certification. He has been an Auctioneer since 1998, having owned and operated Saucony Hall - Clarence N. Shirk Auction Service in Kutztown. Clarence dedicated his life to serving others and creating opportunities for thousands of buyers and sellers alike. He approached his work with passion, integrity, and a commitment to his craft, leaving a legacy that will be remembered by many.

Clarence was also heavily involved with The Kutztown Produce Auction since its inception. Mr. Shirk and his wife Louise were the former co-owners of Wooden Bridge Dry Goods in Kutztown from 1998 until 2010. Prior to his career as an Auctioneer, Clarence worked in construction and was employed by Martin Construction, Kutztown, for 20 years.

Along with his wife of nearly 40 years, Louise, Clarence is survived by his children, Delbert S., husband of Kayleen (Good) Shirk, New Tripoli, Stanley S., husband of Andrea (Sensenig) Shirk, New Tripoli, Evelyn S. (Shirk), wife of Jordan Horst, Newmanstown, Lebanon County, Randall S. Shirk, Kutztown, Julianne S. (Shirk), wife of Merle Rissler, Port Trevorton, Snyder County, Jolyn S., husband of Rebekah (Horst) Shirk, Mohrsville, and Ronald S., husband of Jolene (Nolt) Shirk, Fleetwood and 21 grandchildren

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ruth N. (Burkholder) Snyder, Kutztown, widow of predeceased father-in-law, Clayton W. Snyder; and siblings, Mildred N. (Shirk), wife of Isaac H. Weaver, Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Irvin N., husband of Arlene B. (Martin) Shirk, Thorp, WI, Warren N., husband of Esther B. (Weaver) Shirk, Kutztown, Laura N. Shirk, Kutztown, Alice N. (Shirk), wife of Warren B. Nolt, Newville, Cumberland County, Beatrice N. Shirk, Kutztown and Carl N., husband of Martha N. (Martin) Shirk, Riceville, IA.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. from Walnuttown Mennonite Church, 1219 Pleasant Hill Road, Fleetwood, with Bishop Leon S. Zimmerman, officiating. Interment in the adjoining Walnuttown Mennonite Church Cemetery. There will be a viewing from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025 in Walnuttown Mennonite Church. Kindly omit flowers.

Assisting Ministry will be Minister Earl B. Martin, Minister Eric G. Hoover and Minister E. Merle Nolt. Pallbearers will be Delbert S. Shirk, Stanley S. Shirk, Randall S. Shirk, Jolyn S. Shirk, Ronnie S. Shirk and Kenley T. Shirk.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Clarence's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.