Herman Clemens

Herman Clemens, 86, of Sioux Center, IA died Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital. A visitation will be held Monday at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM. A prayer service for family and friends will be held Tuesday at 10AM at First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11:00AM at First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. The Clemens family prefers memorials to the Sight & Sound Ministry of First Reformed Church or the Sioux Center Community Hospital Foundation. Herman Stanley Clemens was born June 16, 1923 to Walter and Floy Anna (Harris) Clemens in Seymour, Iowa. When he was two years old his mother died and he was raised by his grandparents. He graduated from Seymour High School in 1941. Herman served his country during World War II in the US Navy. He was attached to a Marine Corps unit in the South Pacific, serving as a Medic. After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended Central College receiving his BA in Biology. He continued his education at Drake University where he attained a Masters degree in Education. While at Central College, he met Phyllis Te Selle and on September 6, 1951, they were united in marriage in Firth, Nebraska. Following his graduation from Drake, he served as principal of Primghar (IA) High School from 1954-1957. Since 1957 Herm and Phyllis made their home in Sioux Center, Iowa where they raised five children. Herman served as principal at Sioux Center Community High School from 1957 until his retirement in 1986. Currently he was a member of First Reformed Church in Sioux Center and had served as an elder while a member of Central Reformed Church. In his retirement, Herm enjoyed travel, some hunting and fishing and much time cultivating his yard and gardens. He cherished his family and enjoyed the lives of his children and grandchildren. Herman is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Clemens of Sioux Center; his five children and their spouses: Jim and Sharla Clemens of Orange City; Lou Ann and Jason Amodeo of Glendale, CA; John and Karleen Clemens of St. Paul, MN; Rob and Dawn Clemens of Sioux Center; Cris and Jiri Novak of Garden Grove, CA along with his 15 grandchildren and one great grandson. Herman is also survived by a half sister, Lorraine Findlay of St. Charles, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Karol Clemens and half sister, Donna Vernon. Online Condolences Mary Beth & Bruce Royer North Mankato Relationship: Herman was my sister's father-in-law We send our sympathy to the Clemens family. Herman was certainly a wonderful Christian man. We honor his memory. God's blessings and peace to the whole Clemens family. Sent: 5/23/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas Nettleton Sloan Relationship: Former Student Your father was principal of Sioux Center High School while I was a student there (1979-1983). He was a kind, gentle and good man that always had a good greeting whenever we crossed paths. He was a positive influence on my life. He leaves you all with a wonderful legacy, because he touched so many lives. Please accept our profound sympathies and condolences. Sent: 5/23/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melinda Schut Tibbetts Sioux Falls Relationship: he was my principal Just a note to express my deepest sympathy with Mr. Clemman's death. I always like him but was scared of him because he was the PRINCIPAL...I only had to see him once in official capacity...to do with clothing.:-). I Graduated in 1971. God's blessings to you all as you honor his life. Ms. Mel Tibbetts Sent: 5/23/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diane V.L/Arlene White Orange City Relationship: S.Center H.S. Graduates Are thoughts and prayers are with you. In God we trust! Sent: 5/24/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glenda DenHerder Sioux City Relationship: LouAnn's high school friend & former student My sympathies to the whole family. I have great memories of sitting in the family room with Clemens' family discussions. Mr. Clemens was the quietest of the bunch but in their family of lively discussers that didn't mean much. He always had a warm smile and a kind way of greeting me whenever I came back to Sioux Center. He will be missed. Sent: 5/25/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marilyn (Langstraat) Kruid Maurice Relationship: Former student My husband, Frank, and I express our sincere sympathy to the Clemens family. Mr Clemens was an educator of the highest integrity, and whenever I would meet him no matter if I was shopping in Sioux Center, or at a community event, he always had a kind word, and that smile that lit up his whole face. May God send His comfort and peace to each family member, as you celebrate the life of your loved one. Sent: 5/25/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alma (Mulder) Post Rock Valley Relationship: Former Neighbor Sincere sympathy is extended to the entire Clemens family. Fond memories of years past in the neighborhood on south Hiway 75. Sent: 5/25/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mikell Schut Mouw-Uphoff Sioux Falls Relationship: SCHS past student Mrs. Clemen's and family... I was saddened to hear about Mr. Clemmens passing(he was and will always be MR CLEMENS to me). When Dan and I were home for Easter, you all sat behind us in Church, I was sitting with my Mom and Dad (Ellsworth and MaryAnn Schut). After church I was telling hm about you all and how we went to Central Church together and how Mr. Clemmens was our PRINCIPAL at school and just seeing him n the hall put the fear of God in us!!!!! I was called into his office three times and came out again (WHEW) I have many memories and was glad I even told my husband on Easter and so when I read the emal from the funeral home, I had to tell him... I send my deepest sympathy in your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike Mouw-Uphoff Sent: 5/26/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Lou Verburg Rock Valley Relationship: Former student My sincere sympathies to the Clemens family. I to remember Mr. Clemens fondly...He was always ready with a smile and I always enjoyed seeing he and his wife at the Carmel Soup Suppers........thanks for making an impact on my life and many others...Always thought of fondly....Mary Lou (Jansen) Verburg Sent: 5/26/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kathy DeHaan (Irwin) Sioux City Relationship: Friend Please accept my heart felt sympathy in the loss of your husband/father/and grandfather. I have prayed, and I'm still praying for comfort for everyone in the years ahead without Herm being around. A few years back, I happen to see Herm in the hospital, he was visiting someone. I had the nicest and longest conversation I've ever had with Herm. He was wondering all about my family and how they were doing. I thought that was so very kind of Herm and he really touched my heart in a special way. It was a time in my life where I wasn't doing real well in life. He brightened my day! I'll never forget that! Please know that Doug and I strongly believe in prayer and that we're praying for your family. Sent: 6/14/2010