Jerry L. Clementz Sr.

Jerry Lee Clementz, 58, of rural Prophetstown, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at his home surrounded by his wife and family after a bravely fought battle with ALS. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, Geneseo. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hooppole. Visitation for Jerry will be Tuesday from 4-7 P.M. at the Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Jerry L. Clementz Sr. Memorial Fund to be distributed amongst charitable organizations.

Jerry was born on July 31, 1957 in Geneseo, the son of John and Barabra Houch Clementz. He was a 1975 graduate of J. D. Darnall High School and then attended Black Hawk East College. He was united in marriage to Melody A. Viane on September 25, 1976 in Hooppole. Jerry farmed in rural Prophetstown with his family, worked for Hartco Cable, Geneseo, and later as a Materials Handler at the Rock Island Arsenal. He attended the First United Methodist Church, Geneseo. Jerry was a member of the Henry County Farm Bureau and Henry County Pork Producers. He and his wife, Melody, raised, sold, and showed boxers for twenty-two years. He was seen at the Victorian Walk in Geneseo providing horse and buggy rides for twenty-years. Jerry loved spending time with his family, working around the farm, and water skiing. His courageous fight against ALS was a true testament to his faith and an example to all.

He is survived by his wife, Melody; sons, Jerry Jr. (Amy) Clementz, Prophetstown, and David (Audrey) Clementz, Prophetstown; daughter, Jennifer (Nick) Bugos, Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Jerry Lee III, Clayton, Brady, Alexis, and Isabella; brothers, Steve (Cindy), Dean (Dru), Dan, Stan ( Karol), Jeff (Tammy), Mark (Christine), and Mike Clementz; a sister-in-law, Carol Clementz, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jackie and Gene Clementz.

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