Rusty D. Clemens

Rusty D. Clemens passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 66, following a hard-fought two-year battle with ALS.

Rusty’s family will greet friends on Saturday, August 19 at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N., Clear Lake from 11 a.m. until the time of Rusty’s Celebration of Life Service at 1 pm.  Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. 

Should friends desire, memorials may be left in care of Rusty’s family, which will be directed to the electrical apprenticeship training program for first year electricians.

Rusty was born December 9, 1956, the third son of Charlie and Ruth (Cox) Clemens.  He grew up in Ventura Heights and was a lifelong resident of Ventura. He attended Ventura High School where he participated in Marching and Stage Band.  Rusty graduated with the Ventura High School Class of 1975.  During his high school years, he worked at The Surf Ballroom where he was able to watch many bands perform.

Rusty then followed in his grandpa, dad, and brother’s footsteps by joining the electrical trade.  He became a Licensed Journeyman Electrician and a proud member of the IBEW Local 288.  In addition to residential work Rusty worked on many wind farms in the area as well as in Wyoming and Montana.  Most recently he worked in several data centers for Microsoft, Google, and Facebook in the Des Moines area prior to his retirement.

In earlier years he served on the Ventura Fire Department and also on the Ventura Planning and Zoning Commission until his retirement.

On March 27, 1976 Rusty married Carol Koch and together they were blessed with two sons, who Rusty always thought of as his greatest pride and joy, Jeff and Jason.  He would say the happiest moment in his life was becoming Papa to his three grandchildren and he spent as much time with them as he could.

Rusty loved racing quarter scale remote control cars with Jeff, a bond they shared for many years.  He was extremely proud of Jason’s passion and gift for comedy and attended every show that he could.  He also loved camping, biking, woodworking, and had a passion for music.  He kept busy around the house, including building cabinetry and with wiring projects. No matter the project, it seemed like Rusty could fix anything. 

Not only was he a wonderful husband and remarkable father and papa, he also had a special place in his heart for his beloved Boston Terrier, Panda. 

Those grateful in sharing in his life include his wife, Carol; sons, Jeff (Genevieve) Clemens, Garner, and Jason Clemens (Mindy LeBlanc), Mason City; grandchildren, Jay, Lillian, and Hudson; brother, Steve (Kathy) Clemens; aunt, Carole Bacon; and brother and sisters in law, Deanna (Dennis) Friederich, Jim Koch, and Jerry (Martha) Koch; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Clemens; and father and mother-in-law, Dean and Zae (Woodward) Koch.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.