Clerff, Francis Bernard (1894-1958)

CLERFF, MERTZ, RIDEN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/21/2015 at 14:03:19

Daily Freeman Journal, Tuesday, November 11, 1958

Frank B. Clerff, 64, longtime Webster City resident and widely known businessman, died at 5 p.m. Monday following an illness of several years.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church. The Rev. Father Robert Chambers of Waverly will officiate and with burial in the Catholic cemetery.

Rosary will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Foster funeral home.

Francis Bernard Clerff, son of Phillip and Barbara Clerff, was born Sept. 6, 1894, on a farm north of Webster City, in Cass township. He received his elementary schooling in the Webster City schools, then attended high school at St. Joseph's college in Dubuque, being graduated from there in 1913. He continued his studies at St. Joseph's and was graduated from college in 1915.

He returned to Webster City and entered the clothing business. He served in World War I, and returned to Webster City after his discharge. He continued in the clothing business until May, 1951.

He was united in marriage March 28, 1920, to Ruth Mertz, and Mr. and Mrs. Clerff had always since made their home in Webster City.

He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Bobby (Barbara) Riden of Mountain Home, Idaho; two grandchildren, Carol Lynne and Keith Alan Riden; one brother, Phillip Clerff of Clinton; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and one sister, who died in infancy.

He was a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas church; a member of the Knights of Columbus; the American Legion, was former exalted ruler of the Elks lodge; and was a past president of the Iowa Retail Clothiers association. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce for many years, and won a Chamber of Commerce award in 1953 as the most courteous salesman in Webster City.