Robert E. Clar (1950-2020)

CLAR

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/4/2020 at 14:54:26

Obituary for Robert E. Clar
Robert E. Clar, 69, of Ryan, Iowa, died peacefully on the home farm, on June 28th, 2020. Dad was born September 3rd, 1950 in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was one of three children born to James and Minnie. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Dad is survived by his wife, Carla, of 49 years. They have a son, Chris, of Quasqueton, Iowa; and a daughter, Shawna Hefel (Andy) of Hillsboro, Wisconsin. He has three grandchildren, Tristan, Vivian, and Daniel all of whom he simply adored. Dad is also survived by a sister, JoAnn (Les), and a brother-in-law Jerry (Olga) Hupe.

Dad is preceded in death by his parents, James and Minnie, and a sister and brother-in-law Pat and Dennis St Germaine.

Dad enlisted in the Marines from 1969 to 1972 where he served a tour of duty in Viet Nam as a field radio operator. During this time, he received several citations for his bravery to his unit including the Navy Commendation Medal as well as being recognized In the Leatherneck Magazine as the most outstanding recruit in the platoon. Dad was also recognized as receiving the highest marksmanship score in his platoon. This guy could spot a deer from miles away; “Eagle Eye Clar” was just one of many nicknames. Dad was proud to have served his country, this can be witnessed by a beautiful memorial that Chris and Dad built in honor of our country.

Mom and dad purchased 120 acres south of Ryan where they farmed and raised their family. He later retired from farming and worked on the pipeline as an Environmental Inspector retiring in 2017.

Dad was greatly respected by those who knew him for his wit and humor, his loyalty to all of his many family and friends, and his incredible intelligence of basically any subject, but mostly about farming and his love for the land. Mom and Dad could be found cruising trails in their 60 acres of wild flowers that they had planted many years ago. This is where he was most at peace after his diagnosis.

Per Dad’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flower, we request that you make donations, in Dad’s name, to the Ryan American Legion or the Coggon Fire Department.

Thank you to each and every one of you who reached out to us in our time of grief. This speaks volumes about the kind of family and friends we have chosen to surround us in this lifetime.