Clarence Diekman

Clarence Eldon Diekman, age 91, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Harm and Effie (Nederhoff) Diekman on August 25, 1930, in rural Wellsburg Iowa.  Clarence graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1948. 

Clarence initially worked at the First National Bank of Parkersburg.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 and received an honorable discharge.

On September 21, 1954, Clarence was united in marriage with Erma Faye Mennen at Bethel Reformed Church in rural Aplington, Iowa.  After their marriage, the couple farmed near Parkersburg and Dike.  Later, the couple moved to Galva, Illinois, where Clarence managed the Farmer’s Hybrid.  In 1971, Clarence and Erma purchased the Coast to Coast Hardware in Sumner, Iowa.  In 1993, they sold the store and retired to Waverly, Iowa.  After 25 years in Waverly, the couple moved to Parkersburg.  

Clarence was always active in the church wherever he lived.  He was active in choir, served as Sunday School teacher, superintendent and also Chairman of the Board.  He also taught confirmation classes in the Lutheran Church.  Clarence volunteered at Camp Knudsen in Minnesota, where he helped spring clean.  Clarence was very active in community activities in Sumner.  He was a member and president of the Rotary and served on the board of the Light Plant.  Clarence and Erma served together in the Coast to Coast Advisory Board providing input into small town Coast to Coast stores.  While living in Waverly, Clarence was a member of the Exchange Club.  The couple enjoyed traveling and really enjoyed their three-week trip to Germany discovering their ancestral history.  They spent warm winters in Arizona and family vacations in Minnesota.  Clarence enjoyed fishing, bicycling, and cruising on his motorcycle during his retirement.  

Clarence died Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Unity Point Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo Iowa.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Harm and Effie Diekman; one sister, Marianne Kiewiet, one brother, Raymond Diekman, and two sisters-in-law, Joyce Brocka and Sharon Bartels.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 67 years, Erma of Parkersburg, two children, David Diekman of Sparta, Wisconsin, and Darci (Todd) Best of Colorado Springs Colorado; four grandchildren, Jodi Best, Eric (Monae) Best, Katy (John) Shier and Ryan (Kelly) Best; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Gene (Teri) Diekman of Seattle, Washington; one brother-in-law, Dennis Kiewiet of Rienbeck, Iowa; seven sisters-in-law, Marjorie Junker of Jesup, Iowa, Shirley Lupkes of Parkersburg, Janice Johnson of Parkersburg, Glenda VanderHolt of Parkersburg, Carol (Wayne) Aukes of Wellsburg, Judy (Larry) Pruisner of Parkersburg and Kathy (Larry) Koppendryer of Waverly; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg.  Pastor Nate Huisman officiated the service.  Organist was Marilyn Poppens and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “In The Garden”, “How Great Thou Art” and “One Day At A Time”.  Nate Barkley sang “Amazing Grace”.  Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, with Ryan Best, John Shier, Eric Best, Mark Koppendryer, Mark Kiewiet and Greg Vander Holt serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearer was David Diekman.  Parkersburg American Legion Post #285 the conducted military rites.

Visitation was held at the church for one hour before the funeral service.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com