David A. Clemen (1939-2020)

CLEMEN, LEIGH, RESSLER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/28/2020 at 13:27:32

David A. Clemen, 80, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, at his home of natural causes.

Rev. Tyler Raymond and Rev. Mark Ressler conducted private family services with burial in St. Francis cemetery in Dyersville. Lector was Cookie Scherrman and pallbearers were Mike Clemen, Tim Hermsen, Ron Pirc, Rod Lansing, Don Diesberg and Steve Diesberg.

David was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Dyersville the son of Nicholas and Frances (Leigh) Clemen. He married Janet Ressler July 24, 1965, at St. Mary’s church in Cascade, officiated by Fr. Wayne Ressler. Through the years they enjoyed dancing with friends during the Big Band era at Melody Mill to the music of Wayne King, Guy Lombardo and Sammy Kaye, and to the local bands at the Cascade, Worthington and Dyersville dance halls. Dave was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Farley, class of 1957. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Collette (DD730) from 1962-1964, stationed in the Sea of Japan.

Dave’s employment years started after graduation at the Farley State Bank. After returning from the service, he was employed at the Dyersville National Bank, self-employed farming, employed at New Vienna Mutual Insurance Agency, and retired from American Trust in 2018. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison Graduate School of Banking in 1974. Dave was active in many civic organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Food Pantry, Garden Club, St. Francis Xavier Parish and was a founding member on the board of Dyersville Progress Home. He received the Lion’s Club Citizen of the Year award in 2008. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. He loved his two granddaughters and enjoyed watching their soccer games. He was a good cook and they enjoyed many creative meals over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Janet, a son, Michael of Dyersville, granddaughters, Sadie Hart (friend Chris) and Rikki (Eric) Demers; great grandchildren Calvin and Evelyn Demers, all of Dubuque; siblings: Barb (Fred) Hermsen, Judy (Jim) Kluesner, Tony (Karen) Clemen, all of Dubuque, Bill (Barb) Clemen of Shell Rock and Mary Palmer of Marion; in-laws: Margaret Delaney and Joan (Jim) McCarron, both of Dubuque, and John Ressler of Mt. Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Jacob and Marie (Klocker) Ressler, one son, Richard John Clemen on July 2, 1991, a sister, Charlotte Clemen, a brother, Herb Clemen, and a nephew, Derek Clemen; in-laws: Mike Ressler, Donald Delaney, Virginia Ressler and Lowell Palmer.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Tammi and Ryan, Jen, Jan, Jeanette, Suzanne and Diane for their compassionate care, for without them, Dave would not have been able to remain at home. Also, special thanks to the caregivers and helpers who so generously gave of their time to assist Janet with Dave’s daily routine of cares: Terry, Brenden, Sandy, Sydney, Shelby, Sawyer, Beth, Brooklyn, Brenna, Sue, Gabbi, Lois, Kathy, Kyle, Tim and Kevin.

Memorials are preferred and cards may be sent to the family c/o Kramer Funeral Home

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.