Vern K. Clemens

Vern Keith Clemens, 78, of West Branch peacefully went home for his eternal rest with our Lord with his family at his side on January 16, 2010. Vern was the seventh of eight children, born on September 26, 1931 in Prescott. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1949 and went to work at Fisher Body Plant in Flint. He served his country for two years in Japan and the Korean War. On April 24, 1954, Vern married Jeanine Ann Winslow and soon after added to their happy family. He farmed with his father and brother before working with Farm Bureau Insurance for 30 years, many as an insurance agent. Vern was a proud father and grandfather, as his children and grandchildren were very dear to his heart. He was a loving and caring man and very close to family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, woodworking, camping, good food, sweets, and sharing his endless supply of jokes. People in Vern’s life were special to him, whether it was his family, friends, neighbors, or community. He served on many boards, was a lifelong member and lay leader of Churchill United Methodist Church, and past master of #376 Masonic Lodge. One of his greatest accomplishments other than his family was creating the Ogemaw County Fair. Vern is considered to be the “founding father” of the fairgrounds and his vision made the fair what it is today. He was the first president of the fair board and continued to serve the fair board for many years. In 1989, Vern was also voted president of the Michigan Association of Fairs. He retired in 1993. Vern is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanine; his four children, Lisa (Dean) Bennett, Mark Clemens, Wayne Clemens, and Suzanne (Todd) Kohs; his four grandchildren, Noelle Clemens, Sam Helland, Brandyn Clemens, and Alexandra Clemens; his three sisters, Evelyn Parish, Corrine (Clarence) Meir, and Darlene (Bill) Winslow; and his brother Junior (Marie) Clemens. Vern was preceeded in death by his parents, Clayton and Minnie (Gackler) Clemens; his brother Albert Clemens; and his two sisters, Lillian Ruehle and Lila Dunbar. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 1-9 p.m. There will be a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, Vern will lie in state at the First United Methodist Church in West Branch beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Cindy Gibbs will officiate with burial following at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Churchill United Methodist Church or to the Ogemaw County Fair.