John (Jerry) Jerome Clemens

John (Jerry) Jerome Clemens Rockport, TX -

John Jerome "Jerry" Clemens

passed away peacefully at home on April 6, 2023, with his beautiful wife Eva at his side. Jerry was born on December 28, 1932, in the Township of Vienna, Dane County, Wisconsin. He was the youngest child of John and Catherine Clemens. Jerry grew up in Lodi, Wisconsin, graduating from Lodi High School in 1950. Jerry met the love of his life, Eva, while in school and they were married at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dane, Wisconsin on October 10, 1953. Jerry and Eva were blessed with four beautiful daughters: Therese, Susan, Amy (Mark) and Angela. They have 14 wonderful grandchildren Megan (Cal), Matthew (Delana), Maria (Rodney), Tyler (David), Taryn (Patrick), Mark, Thomas (Shoinagh), Dorothy (David), Tiffany, Christopher, Selina, Jasmine, Sarah, and Nicole (Rich). They have 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Jerry was drafted into the US Navy in 1955 and was stationed at North Island Naval Base in San Diego, California. He loved his country and served proudly in the Navy. Jerry worked in several different industries throughout his career including the Space & Defense Program and the Oil & Gas Industry. He traveled to 23 different countries during his career, always bringing a special gift home for Eva! Jerry and Eva lived in 9 different states throughout their marriage and moved over 30 times. Jerry retired in 1998, and he and Eva took many wonderful trips in their 5th wheel. They were able to spend extended time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren as they traveled. No matter where they traveled, they were always happy to come home to their place in Rockport where they enjoyed time on their porch with their many friends.

His life was guided by his tremendous faith and unconditional love. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Peter's Catholic Church of Rockport, and the Knights of Columbus Council 8028 of Rockport. He was happiest when his family was around and enjoyed just spending time with them. He also enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and reading. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eva, his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchild, his sister Polly Olsen, sisters-in-law, Vonnie Clemens, Marilyn Pribbenow, Sue Howe, Marilyn Houk, and Lola Keller, and brother-in-law Flip (Patty) Howe and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Vincent Clemens, Mary (Elwin) Smith, Leo (Carol) Clemens; Dolores (Robert) Ness, Joseph Clemens, and in-laws, Lois Howe, Hilary "Joe," (Maxine) Howe, John "Jack," (Betty) Howe, Jude Howe, Derl Howe, Pat (Chell) Howe, David Howe, Mary Howe, and Arnold Olsen; nieces and nephews Dan Olsen, John Olsen, Jane Clemens, and Meredeth Smith Lewis.

A Memorial Mass will be held at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 N. Church Street, Rockport, Texas 78382, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, with Father Tran presiding. The rosary will be recited at the church at 11:00 a.m. prior to the Mass. A reception will be held at ST. PETERS CATHOLIC CHURCH located at 1010 W. Palmetto Avenue, Rockport, Texas 78382 immediately following the Mass.

Thank you Daddy for your love, guidance, words of wisdom, strength, patriotism, and for always being there when we needed you! We will love you forever!

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jerome's Catholic School, 8825 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX 77080 in the name of Jerry Clemens or to the Knights of Columbus Council 8028, Rockport, TX. Eternal rest grant onto him O Lord and let perpetual life shine upon him may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen.