Gerald L. Clemmens

Gerald L. Clemmens

Cedar Rapids

Gerald L. Clemmens, 87, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday March 23, 2023, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be one hour before the service and a luncheon will be served following.

Jerry was born March 23, 1936, in Clarence, Iowa, the son of Lester and Mary Britcher Clemmens. He graduated from Clarence High School in 1954 and attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, as well as Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He worked for National Oats Co. (later Ralston Foods) for over 30 years, retiring in 1997.

He married Mary Marcia Newhouse on Aug. 3, 1958, in South English, Iowa. She passed away on April 24, 2016.

Jerry is survived by daughter, Karie Saupe (Tim) of Parker, Colo.; two sons, Keel (Danielle) of Stone City, Iowa, and Kristopher of Phoenix, Ariz.; four grandsons, Matthew Clemmens of Atlanta, Ga., Benjamin Clemmens of Macomb, Ill., and Nathan and Nicholas Clemmens of Gilbert, Ariz.; two step-grandchildren, Nicole (John) Gardner of Overland Park, Kan., and Adam Jaschen, of Iowa City, Iowa; a step-great-grandson, Emerson Gardner of Overland Park, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Muriel Kirkpatrick of Lincoln City, Ore.; a brother-in-law, Kelly Newhouse of Robins, Iowa; also surviving are five nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He wishes to also acknowledge Heidi Schill Clemmens of Macomb, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 57 years.

He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for sixty-three years, with most of those as a member of the St. Paul’s Chancel Choir and the men’s small group chorus. Jerry loved to sing and later joined Harmony Hawks Barbershop Chorus of Cedar Rapids as well. He was also an active volunteer at St. Paul’s and with many civic organizations in the Cedar Rapids metro area. Jerry loved to work with his hands and created many woodworking projects. He did most of his own planning, construction and the many remodeling projects on the house he lived in for over fifty-seven years. He and Marcia enjoyed many years dancing together, most recently with the Congenial One Hundred. He also enjoyed traveling, a highlight being a trip to Ireland.

The family wishes to thank all the medical professionals, the staff of Cottage Grove Place and Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy and especially the caregivers, for his comfort and pain management.

His body was donated to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine for research and his cremains will be interned in the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church columbarium upon return.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Chapman Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.chapmanfh.com.