Richard J. "Rich" Clemens 1948-2014

CLEMENS, STRUMBERGER, MELLON, GINTER, STIERMAN, WOOD, PICKERING, BAUSCH

Posted By: cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 8/4/2019 at 20:33:58

Richard J. "Rich" Clemens, 66, of English Mill Road, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2014, at home surrounded by his family and friends.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 11, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home & Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.

Rich was born on Jan. 31, 1948, in Dubuque, the son of Albert "Abe" Joseph and Evelyn (Strumberger) Clemens. He attended Dubuque Senior High School.

He married Patty Mellon on Jan. 27, 1968, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville, Wis.

Rich worked at Edwards Construction, Flexsteel and John Deere Dubuque Works; he was a lifelong laborer who always worked hard to provide for his family. He never missed any of his children's events.

Rich enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball and caught many hall of fame pitchers, including Eddie "The King" Feigner. His love for animals and the outdoors was evident, and he passed this trait onto all of his children.

Survivors include his wife, Patty (Mellon) Clemens, of 46 1/2 years; three sons, Mike (Deb) Clemens, Mark (Laurie) Clemens and Christopher "Stoph" Clemens; twin daughters, Keri (Mathias) Ginter and Kelly Shetler (Tim Kaiser); grandchildren and loves of his life, Tracy, Tammy, Austin, Jordan, Noah, Mya, Kobe, Lauren, Andrew, Ethan, Kaelan, Morgan and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Rylan, Riley, Landon and Mason; siblings, Jean (Rick) Stierman, of Solon, Iowa, and A.J. Clemens, of Dubuque; in-laws, Mike Mellon, Jim (Jeannie) Mellon, Ann (Steve) Wood, John (Jeanne) Mellon, Scott (Cass) Mellon, Jo Ann Brinkman (Dave), Doug Bausch and Leeds Pickering; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved in his own special way (everyone was his favorite).

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Evelyn; father-and mother-in-law, James and Ginny Mellon; siblings, Michael J. Clemens (Vietnam), Kathy Pickering, infant Caroline, twins, Ronald and Donald; sisters-in-law, Amy Mellon and Sue Bausch; and great nephews, infant Colter Allen and Abraham Bausch.

In lieu of flowers, a Richard Clemens Memorial Fund has been established.

For service details and to leave an online condolence, visit www.egelhofsiegert casper.com.

A special thank-you to doctors Brian Sullivan, Mark Janes, Karin Loukinen, R.S. Ramabadran, nurses Tabitha, Laura Lee and Jane and all the staff at Medical Associates for all the years of loving care. We would also like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion and care of our husband, father and friend. Thank you Paulie Frommelt for your daily visits to Rich and sharing all your memories over your never-ending cups of coffee. Mike Blok and David Nelson, you are truly the definition of "true friends."

Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, July 9, 2014