"I sat here with the biggest smile on my face flipping through this photo album. Thank you! Seeing the graduation picture with that wonderful place, St. Michael's (aka Presentation Academy) as the centerpiece was especially heartwarming. Wow, all of those familiar faces! And that Bisenius family. Holy Cow! My mom and dad always said that Clem and Beryl were as striking a couple as they'd ever seen. Seeing these pictures and the Bisenius kids, not hard to see. Sara and I Iaughed last night at the stories of her working with Beryl at the Brass Buckle. Some of her favorite memories for sure. Great people, top to bottom! Prayers (and smiles) from Texas."
In loving memory of
Clement "Clem" Bisenius
December 14, 1929 - January 27, 2018
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland or Bishop Garrigan Schools.
Clem Bisenius passed away on Saturday, January 27, at Sunrise Retirement in Sioux City, Iowa, at the age of 88. He had lived in Sioux City since October of 2012. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. with a vigil service held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Whittemore, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, January 31, with Rev. Jeremy Wind as celebrant and Clem's 1st cousins, Rev. Merle Kollasch and Rev. Paul Eisele concelebrating.
Clement Joseph Bisenius was born December 14, 1929, to James P. and Lydia (Eisele) Bisenius. He was raised on the family farm near Whittemore, Iowa and lived there most of his life. Clem attended Presentation Academy in Whittemore. While in school he participated in baseball, where he played shortstop and was catcher for the Academy ball team, graduating in 1947.
After high school, Clem served his country in the army. After his military service, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Beryl Elsbecker on June 16, 1953 at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft, Iowa. They were blessed with 8 children and made sure the fights would be even with 4 boys and 4 girls.
Clem and Beryl celebrated their 50th anniversary in June of 2003. Several months later he lost the love of his life due to Beryl's sudden passing. We would like to believe they are now reunited.
Clem was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was a hard worker and over the years raised dairy cattle, hogs, and chickens. He enjoyed reading, playing Euchre, eating Schwan's ice cream, and following sports, especially if his kids or grandkids, nieces or nephews were involved.
He is survived by Jim & Amy Bisenius (Sioux City), Bob & Darcy Bisenius (Johnston), Sue & Lyle Boeckholt (Titonka), Lisa & Bob Kropp (New York, NY), Phil & Mary Bisenius (Johnston), Melanie & Todd Jarrett (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), Tom Bisenius (Crystal Lake, IL), Sarah & Rob McCormick (Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ). Also, 16 grandchildren; Joe, Mary, and Mike (Meredith) Bisenius; Chelsea and Collin Bisenius; Katie (Joe) Moorberg and Alec Boeckholt; Travis and Bryce Bisenius; Tyler, Olivia, and Jackson Jarrett; Dylan and Lydia Bisenius; Connor and Elle McCormick and sisters, Maxine Connor and Joan and Bill Woksa.
Also, brothers and sisters-in-law Eloise Rees; Charles Elsbecker; Phyllis Simons; John & Rosemary Elsbecker; Gail & Jim Cowan; Linda & Bernard Veak.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Beryl; his sister Luella and her husbands, Jim Lenhart and Don Hoft; brother-in-law, Jim Connor; sister, Bonnie Kavanaugh and her husband, Joe; brothers and sisters-in-law Carol (Elsbecker) & Everett Keith; Francis Rees, Jim & Carol Elsbecker, Ralph Simons, Cleo Elsbecker, and Betty Elsbecker.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Sunrise Retirement and Hallmark/Accura Healthcare of Sioux City as well as Hospice of Siouxland for their care of Clem.
Tributes
"Clem and Beryl were wonderful people. I am so glad to have had them as my cousins. Sorry I couldn't be there, I am in Texas for the winter. Marlene Bode Prohaska "
"I have so many good memories of your mom & dad....good people! Really enjoyed growing up with the Bisenius family!! Thinking of you!!!"
"Jim and everyone. I just found your email Jim. So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. What a special guy. Many fond memories of your Dad, Mother and many of you when I worked for them. Thoughts and prayers with all of you for your loss. Dave Potratz"
"I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad's death - Clem will surely be celebrating a new life in heaven with Beryl!"
"My condolences and prayers to the entire Bisenius family! I had the pleasure of taking Holy Communion to Clem a few times. What a nice guy! I also think he and Beryl should get the award for best looking couple, 1953. They raised a great family!"
"CLEM HAD HALF A BASEBALL TEAM AND THE CHEERLEADERS GREAT FAMILY R.I.P. JOANN EISCHEN AND STEVE KRAPP"
"Clem, my father-in-law, was the most humble man I have ever known. His heart was as big has his hands and his faith was as strong as his back! I hope to take his inspiration and work it into my own life. We should all be such a good example."
"Sorry about the loss of your father. He was a good man and I enjoyed taking care of him! This is Gloria from Accura. "
"Visiting with Clem whenever home from Loras was always on my list. He often welcomed with a shake of his head, as he would never let me forget I threw his son (Jim) out trying to steal second base during Garrigan vs. St. Johns game. RIP Clem. You were one of the good guys Steve Kemna"
"God Bless you Clem. May you rest in peace with your beautiful wife. Our prayers are with you and your family. Love, Gail & Richard McCormick"