John Clemens

America lost one of its greatest heroes in the early hours of the morning on December, 8, 2019. John Clemens, 84, of Marshalltown, passed away at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown with his loving family at his side. A celebration of life for John’s family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Military honors for John will be rendered at the conclusion of the visitation. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to John’s family. For additional information or to express condolences to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com . Arrangements and care for John and his family have been entrusted to the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. John Franklin Clemens was born on October 9, 1935 to proud parents Neil and Velma (Seberg) Clemens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John and his family lived in the area for a short period of time before moving to Chicago, Illinois after the passing of his father. From Chicago, John and the rest of his family moved back to Marshalltown, Iowa. John went to school in the Marshalltown School District and graduated in the class of 1953. Upon graduation John enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1954-1957. He was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany where he would later meet the love of his life Erika Backhaus. On November 24, 1956 John and Erika were united in marriage in Darmstadt/Eberstadt Germany and the two moved back to the United States together to begin their lives. They were blessed with three beautiful children Conne, Chris, and John which they raised together. John worked as a route salesman for Meads Dairy for over 29 years. Upon completion he went on and received his CNA license and worked as a resident treatment worker at the Iowa Veteran’s Home until his retirement in 2000. It was during this time that he created long lasting bonds with residents and co- workers he worked with. He was a member of the Trappers Association and a couple bowling leagues in Marshalltown. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, trout fishing and camping with his grandson, trapping, hunting, telling stories to people, spending time with his family, and he was very much a people person and would start a conversation with anybody. Left to remember and cherish his memory are his loving wife Erika; his children, Conne Davies of Ira, Iowa, Chris Clemens (Sandra Hagge) of Marshalltown, and John (Dalonna) Clemens of Marshalltown; his grandchildren, Vanessa and John Clemens, Aryan (Bianca) Mills, Ulonda Mills, and Skyler (Jessica) Mills; great- grandchildren Lucas and Arianna Mills; siblings Connie (Joe) Gates, Michael (Mary) Clemens, and Robert Harland. In death he is rejoined with his parents Neil and Velma; his step father, Ervine Harland; second step father Olaf Odegaard; his siblings Bruce Harland and James Harland.