Kathleen “Kathy” Madonna Clemen was born on October 6, 1951 in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond and Lillian (Horna) Knipp. She grew up in the Waterloo area and graduated from Columbus High School in 1969 and later from Hawkeye Institute in 1971 as an LPN. On July 12, 1975 she was united in marriage to James “Jim” Clemen at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Waterloo. Kathy was working at Grandview Healthcare Center at the time of her death. Kathy enjoyed riding with Jim on their Gold Wing motorcycle. Kathy and Jim were proud members of the GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) and were very active members. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Rosary Society, taught CCD for many years for Sacred Heart and was a Girl Scout Leader. Besides riding their bike, Kathy very much enjoyed traveling, camping, line dancing, crossword puzzles, word games, board games and scrapbooking. But her greatest joy was her family. She also loved to laugh. Her laugh was infectious and her ability to laugh came so naturally. She was a wonderful cook and she loved to bake. Kathy’s heart knew no bounds; she made room for all who needed her. Her family and friends will dearly miss her, but will always be better for having known and loved her.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Cindy Clemen of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Sharyn Clemen of Waterloo and Jason and his wife, Corinna and their daughter, Maiya Clemen of Waterloo; her siblings, Helen (Joe) Hellman of Washburn, Iowa, James (Conchita) Knipp of Waterloo, Mary (Jerry) Sisemore of Roseburg, Oregon, Gerard Knipp of Dunkerton, Iowa and David (Marcia) Knipp of Waterloo; brothers-in-law, Kevin (Carol) Clemen of Amana, Iowa and Wayne Clemen of Masonville, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Steve) Dolan of Manchester, Iowa and Laura (Dan) Kaiser of Masonville and Jim’s parents, Bob and Helen Clemen of Masonville; four God children, Don Hellman, Kesha Bean, Tamara Dolan and Lynn Johnson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lillian and a nephew, Joe Hellman.
SERVICES: 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Father Harry Koelker officiating.
Due to the flooding in Oelwein - services were postponed and will be held Friday, July 9, 2010; 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
VISITATION: From 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 06, 2010 at Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein with a Parish Rosary at 4:00 pm and a scripture service at 7:00 pm.
