Clarence Connie Chester Carsner, 87, of Rapid City passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Rapid Regional Hospital. He was born July 22, 1921 near Wagner, SD to Chester and Jennie (McFarland) Carsner. Later the family moved to Winner and in the early '30s to Rapid City. He attended Rapid City Schools and was with the class of 1941. He enlisted in the 109th Engineers during his senior year. He was sent to Camp Claiborne, LA, for training in Feb. 1941. He then departed for overseas on Jan 2, 1942 with the 34th Infantry, Red Bull Division. They Served in Northern Ireland, North Africa and Italy for over 600 days on the front line. Clarence was discharged in July of 1945. Clarence reenlisted in the South Dakota National Guard full-time in March of 1947, retiring in August of 1976. He has been secretary-treasurer of the 109th Engineers WWII reunions for the last 24 years. His main hobby was woodworking. He spent many hours making things for the family. He loved going on family vacations and in later years traveling by motor home. Clarence has been a member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1951. Clarence was an active member and Past Commander of Rushmore VFW Post 1273, served on the membership committee and volunteered at VA Hospitals. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 22 and a life member of the D.A.V. and M.O.C. He married Lela Mae Mortensen at Toronto, SD, on July 1, 1947. They were blessed with four daughters. Survivors include his wife, Lela, Rapid City, his daughters; Connielee Moore and her husband, Max, Saltillo, MS; Cathleen Fiel and her husband, Allan, San Antonio, TX, and Carleen Best, and her husband, Don, Grand View, ID and a sister, Lois Crawford and her husband, Bill, Fountain Hills, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Christine in 1953, a brother Bill and a sister, Eunice Baker, Visitation will be Thursday, April 23, from 4:30 until 6:30pm at Osheim &Schmidt Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 24, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Duane Duley officiating. Interment will be in the Pine Lawn Memorial Park with military honors. Memorials may be made to the donors choice in Clarences name.