Gerald E. “Jake” Clemens, 86, of Coldwater, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility, Coldwater.
The funeral service will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with The Reverend Deacon Liz Kinsey from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis officiating.
Interment will follow at Batavia Cemetery.
The family will receive friends, prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Gerald was born December 10, 1936 in Sault Ste Marie, MI to Frank & Mary (Crane) Clemens. In 1941, he and his brother Jack went to live with their foster parents Archie & Bertha Sanders, until they graduated from high school.
He married Virginia “Jenny” Preston on December 8, 1957. She preceded him in death February 29, 2008. He married Nancy (Stewart) Smallwood on May 7, 2022 in Coldwater.
Mr. Clemens drove truck for 26 years for Eckrich, retiring in 1999. He previously had worked at Ross Labs for several years.
Jake was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He operated a side auctioneering business, Clemens Auction Service for several years and loved talking on CB radio. Jake was an avid U of M fan; he enjoyed fishing and gardening, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Jake is survived by his wife Nancy; his children Myra Ferry of Bronson, Curt (Toni) Clemens of Colon, Bruce (Lori) Clemens of Battle Creek, Brian Clemens of Battle Creek; his sister-in-law Norma Clemens of Coldwater; his grandchildren Preston (Elizabeth) Ferry, Tristan (Misty) Ferry, Trevor (Elaine) Ferry, Travis (Mary) Ferry, Drew (Samantha) Ferry, Courtney Jungers, Becca Clemens, Arianna (Brent) Mingus, Dakota Clemens, Anastasia (Kirk) Nakama, Jacob Clemens and 25 great grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded by several brothers and sisters; his daughter-in-law Diane Clemens and son-in-law Duane Ferry.
Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Branch County or the charity of one’s choice.
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