Clemence Peter Weber, 89

Published 10:04 am Monday, October 13, 2014

Clemence Peter Weber, 89, formerly of Austin, died Sept. 30, 2014, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Weber

He was born on Dec. 11, 1924, on a farm outside of Meyer, Iowa, the first child of Edward and Margaret (Fink) Weber. After completing the eighth grade at Sacred Heart Grade School in Meyer, Iowa, he went to work as a farm hand at age 14. At age 18, he began driving a cab for the Austin Cab Company and working as a mechanic in the cab garage. During this same time period, he continued farming in Mitchell County and in the off season he worked at the Hormel Packing Plant in the rendering department.

In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army and the Army sent him to Korea with the Sixth Infantry Division. In Pusan, Korea, he worked in the motor pool overhauling engines and participating in boxing tournaments during his free time. He rose to the rank of tech sergeant, becoming sergeant of the motor pool.

After his discharge from the Army, Clem began farming again in Mitchell County, Iowa, and working at Hormel in the off season. On Nov. 18, 1950, he married Arlys Mulick of Riceville, Iowa. From this marriage, the couple had four children: Brian, Gail, Jane and Michael.

In the spring of 1951, Clem went to work for Usem Chevrolet as an auto mechanic while still farming. In 1953, he purchased and operated the Standard Station on Winona Street (now First St. SW). He operated Weber Standard until 1956, when he sold it to go back to school to become a tool and die maker. Upon graduation, he went to work for Tonka Toys in Mound, Minnesota. In 1964, Clem and family returned to Austin, Minnesota, to work at American Can Company until his retirement in 1983. During this time he also farmed with his younger brother, Arnold.

Weber

After retirement he busied himself by buying houses and fixing them to either rent or sell. He continued this “hobby” for the next 25 years until health concerns forced him to truly retire.

Clem was an avid reader and, basically, self-educated. His intellect, obliging nature, and generosity touched many people. He strongly encouraged his children and grandchildren to complete their formal education. He was particularly proud that all of them obtained college degrees, including three lawyers and one doctor (so far).

Clem never remarried after the untimely death of  his beloved Arlys in 1972. He is also preceded in death by his son, Michael, who died at birth; as well as his parents; brothers: Raymond and William; and sisters: Rosella and Kathleen.

Clem is survived by his son, Brian (Judy) Weber, of Dodge Center; daughters: Gail (Tom Miller) Weber, of Edina, and Jane (William) McGuire, of Eagan; brother, Arnold (Rita) Weber of Meyer, Iowa; as well as six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Austin with Fr. Greg Leif officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the Austin American Legion Post No. 91.

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Friends of the Austin Public Library. The family also wishes to recognize and thank the staff at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, Minnesota, for their kindness and professional care of Clem during this past year. Online Condolences-www.mayerfh.com.