Memorial
Raymond Lee Clendenen, 70, of Hiawatha, IA, passed away Monday, April 13, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center with his loving family by his side. In a world that was filled with laughter, dancing and music, this was the day the music died in many hearts that loved Ray. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, Hiawatha, IA. The family will start to receive visitors at 1:00 pm at the church, with a memorial service to follow. Guests are welcome to share their memories of Ray at this service.
Ray was born August 28, 1944, in Oelwein, IA, the son of Fred and Clarabell (Roepke) Clendenen. He married Chris (Burns) Clendenen on December 23, 1983, in Cedar Rapids.
He is survived by his spouse, Chris Clendenen; children, Angie (Matt) Dickerson of Bountiful, UT, Tim (Lisa Cooper) Clendenen of Cedar Rapids, Rod Clendenen of Cedar Rapids, Kelli (Randy) Hendrix of Hector, AR, and Tamra Clendenen of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Marlys (Vince) Tookey of Eagle Grove, IA, and Sherree (Gary) Zingg of Independence, IA; 13 grandchildren, Josh, Katie, Cody, Ashley, Matthew, Calese, Caleb, Nicole, Brandon, Courtney, Alex, Brooke, Sydney; 6 great-grandchildren, Lexie, Addie, Maddyx, Payton, Caleb and Khloe; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special family members, Jeff and Brittany Birk of Draper, UT.
Ray proudly served his country through the National Guard and received an award for attention to detail, neatness, military knowledge, constructive attitude and outstanding service to his country. He carried on these qualities throughout his years of work at Wilson Foods/Farmstead (27 years), Alliant Energy (20 years), and his retirement job with Cedar Rapids Winpump.
We would like Ray to be remembered for his love of his family, the Hawkeyes, his bountiful garden and pristine lawn, his Jewel Red Chevy Camaro and his many great friends. Ray enjoyed helping his neighbors with their yard care, going to car shows, casinos, dances and travel destinations. He loved music, particularly Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and his all-time favorites, Richie Lee, of Des Moines, IA, and Bobby Simkins, of Independence, MO.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Michelle Clendenen, and brothers Phil, Rick, and John Clendenen.
Ray's family would like to thank all of the medical care professionals at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and Mercy Medical Center's ICU, who helped Ray through this last verse of his music-filled life.
Memorials may be directed to Duke Cancer Institute. Contact Alumni and Development Records at (919) 684-2338 or gifts2duke@duke.edu in honor of his daughter, Kelli Hendrix, who is battling Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
Thank you for all of the kind and loving words and gestures of support during this very difficult time.