Clarence "Bronco" Telkes

Clarence "Bronco" Telkes age 97. Beloved husband of the late Joan Alma nee Schuster. Dear son of the late Clarence P. and Estelle E. nee Biechner. Loving father of Elizabeth (David) Casey, Terese (Brad) Baiocchi and Timothy Telkes. Dearest grandfather of Sara Miller (Benjamin Rehberg), Jack Miller and Jennifer Miller. Dearest brother of Joan (late Harland) Crilly and Ronald (Joan) Telkes. Fond uncle of many.

Visitation Friday Jan. 9th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Tohle Funeral Home, 4325 W. Lawrence Ave., at Lowell.

Funeral Mass Saturday Jan. 10th, 11:00 AM at St. Edward Church 4350 W. Sunnyside Ave.

Interment private. Information available at 773-685-4400 or tohlefuneralhome.com

The funeral service will be live streamed via YouTube. To view the funeral live go to youtube.com and search "st edward chicago" or go directly to https://youtube.com/c/StEdwardCatholicChurchChicago

THE STORY OF CLARENCE'S LIFE -

Clarence Telkes passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on January 6, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1928, to Clarence and Estelle Telkes. He married the love of his life, Joan, in 1959, and together they had three children- Elizabeth, Terese, and Timothy. His love for his family and love for God were his priorities in life. He was a devout Catholic who instilled faith in his family and love for others. He is a man who led his life by example and left a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love for our Savior Jesus Christ.

Clarence attended St. Timothy's grammar school and graduated in 1946 from St. George High School on Chicago's Northside. A natural athlete with extraordinary determination, he played four years of football and three years of basketball. Nicknamed "Bronco," a name that followed him throughout his life, for his grit on the football field. Bronco was an all-star not only on the football field but also a Golden Glove title holder in the boxing ring.

Clarence earned a scholarship to DePaul University to continue his boxing career, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and later earned a Master's Degree in Counseling. His athletic and academic careers did not go unnoticed, as he was inducted into the St. George, Gordon Tech, and DePaul College Hall of Fame.

Before he embarked on his education career, he served two years in the Army Reserve. During that time, he was called to be a Christian Brother.

Clarence began his education career in 1951, teaching Reading and English to students at St. Mel's High School. From 1952 to 1954, he taught English at LaSalle Academy in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1954, Clarence moved back to Chicago to work at St. Patrick High School. There, he was an English teacher and freshman football coach. In 1958, he transitioned to the Audy Home, where he worked to guide and support youth in need. In 1960, Clarence embarked on his career at Gordon Technical High School. Where he taught English for 7 years before transitioning to the counseling office in 1967. In 1970, he was promoted to Assistant Principal, a position he held for 21 years.

Clarence was an educator for 60-plus years, spending 54 years at Gordon Tech, later known as DePaul College Prep. He cherished the lifelong connections he built with students and colleagues, and he deeply valued hearing from former students as they built families, careers, and lives rooted in the values he helped nurture.

He was a fun-loving "Poppy" to his three grandchildren- Sara, Jack, and Jennifer. He spent many hours with them, enjoying various activities, from parades and festivals to pull-up competitions at Gompers Park. He looked forward to hosting BBQ's at his home and filling his calendar with luncheons, reunions, and social events.

Clarence contributed countless hours to his parish, St. Edward. He was a huge supporter of all the parish activities, from Fall Festivals and Super Bowl watch parties to cheering on the Big Red. He volunteered his services to Sunday mass as an usher and fulfilled administrative volunteer roles.

He thoroughly enjoyed the friendships that he developed in the neighborhood over the years. Whether it was gathering at Marie's Pizza, enjoying dancing and live music at Carol's Pub. Clarence had a deep appreciation for life's adventures. He loved to travel, especially to Florida, where he cherished time with his extended family.

No matter where you met Clarence, every heart he touched will forever remember the matching sparkle in his friendly blue eyes and his warm smile.

Clarence will be remembered as a Husband, Dad, Brother, Poppy, Bronco, Coach, Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Friend, and Faithful Servant of the Lord.