"GeAnna, Darsi and Clem family, my sympathies. I just heard that Dick had passed away. I really enjoyed working for Dick at IBI. He was a caring individual and made his employees feel valued. "
In loving memory of
Richard Clem
September 25, 1940 - May 18, 2023
Richard C. "Dick" Clem age 82 of Ames, Iowa passed away May 18, 2023, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at Lutheran Church of Hope Ankeny, 520 N.W. 36th Street, Ankeny Iowa. A private family burial will be at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Dick was born September 25, 1940, in Ames, Iowa the son of Gale Webster and Valora Jean (Akin) Clem. He graduated from Ames High School in 1958. He married Sandra Kay Carpenter, and two daughters were born from this union Darsi and D'Ann, and the couple later divorced. Dick worked for Bowman Products while living in North Dakota until he returned to Ames in 1966. He then worked with life insurance companies as a sales rep. In 1978, Dick formed and developed Iowa Benefits Inc., a Third Party Administration firm "TPA" which managed and administered client and employee benefits plans. He was instrumental in the creation of self-funded medical insurance benefits to corporations. Dick administered those plans while he was President and CEO until he sold the business in 1996. During that time Dick was active in the SPBA (Society of Professional Benefit Administrators) serving on the board of directors. Dick married GeAnna Hensen Miller on August 20, 1994. Following retirement, he then formed Dick Clem Inc. where he specialized in the selling of long-term care polices, annuities, and life insurance.
Dick was a previous member of: The Elks Club, Moose Lodge, Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames Economic Development Commission, and Rotary club of Ames. He was a recipient of the Hollice Nordyke Award Businessperson of The Year in 1991. Dick loved the Lord, and cherished his church, Lutheran Church of Hope in Ames. Dick loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin in Canada, which he had for over 30 years. Dick was a proud father and grandfather, enjoyed family brunches, time with his family, and woodworking. He was an avid Cyclone Fan and loved the game of football.
Dick is survived by his wife, GeAnna Clem, daughters, Darsi (Chad) Christian, D'Ann (Dan) Kochel, Stepsons, Mark (Renee Stewart) Miller and Scott Miller; sisters and brother, Deanna Clem, Gary (Sue) Clem, Marilyn Clem, Margo (Gary) Eckley; grandchildren, Spencer (Mary) Christian, Parker (Lizzy) Christian, Ashley Jennings, Nick Miller, Emma Miller, Denzil Miller, and Ripley Miller, great grandchild Reid Allen Christian, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to: https://www.dementiasociety.org/ Dementia Society of America PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or Lutheran Church of Hope Ames, 3329 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"To the family of Dick Clem, my condolences to you all. I worked with Dick and later Darsi when I worked for the City of Webster City and we started a self-insured plan for our employees. Dick was always classy and personable. When his picture popped up in our Hope Online Celebration of Life, I knew immediately who he was. I'm sure you will all miss him dearly. "
"To the family of Dick Clem, My sympthies to you. Dick was a friend for many years especially at morning coffee. Ed Hendrickson sr."
"My deepest condolences to Darsi, GeAnna and the entire family. Dick helped me out at a time in my life where I really needed it. He was a great leader and true visionary. I so enjoyed my time with him and learned a great deal from him. He loved his community and he loved his family. Prayers to you all. Ric Wesley Hudsonville, MI"