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Donald M. McClerren
1933 - 2025
BORN
1933
DIED
2025
Donald McClerren Obituary
Born: May 26, 1933 in Thompsonville, IL
Died: August 18, 2025 in Sterling, IL
Donald M. McClerren, age 92, of Rock Falls, died Monday, August 18, 2025 at Allure of Sterling.
Donald was born May 26, 1933 in Thompsonville, IL, the son of Harry and Elsie (Jent) McClerren. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and later married Marilyn Goad on March 9, 1963 in West Frankfort, IL. Donald was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire for 36 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the First Open Bible Church in Rock Falls. He was a member of multiple gospel music groups that recorded albums, won many competitions, and traveled many weekends to minister with various denominational churches, festivals and other functions. In his early years, he was active with sled dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn McClerren of Rock Falls; four children, Debbie (Ed) Fahs of Ashton, Vicky (Patrick) Owen of Franklin Grove, Ken (Sharon) Miller of Stoutsville, MO, and Lisa (Tom) Hatten of Rock Falls; eleven grandchildren, Aaron (Devona) Harms of Byron, Carissa (Brian) Hillison of Woosung, Hillary (Cody) Hill of Dixon, Nathan Fahs of Ashton, Josh (Jen) Shaw of Rock Falls, Jacob (Taylor) Owen of Davis Junction, Ben (Emily) Owen of Elburn, Kelly (Trent) Schryver of Rock Falls, Matt (Jerrika) Miller of Sterling, Sam (Jessica) Hatten of Loveland, CO, and Alivia (Brendan) Hatten of Rock Island; eighteen great grandchildren, Hayden, Dani, Kendra, Bailey, Jovana, Hadley, Henry, Dottie, Stetson, Madason (James) McFadden, Kennedy, Jaycee, Abby, Ryan, Chevella, Brodie, Zeke, and Izzy; and two great great grandchildren, Stetson and Corbyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Mildred, Benny Frank, Juanita, and Genevia; and one great grandson, Jameson.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the First Open Bible Church in Rock Falls. The funeral will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Les Funderberg officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.
A memorial has been established to Allure of Sterling Memory Care.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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