Clarence Weber

When looking back on the life of Clarence Weber, it is easy to see both his unfaltering strength and unconditional love for his family. He was an example of kindness and selflessness, and his solid work ethic formed the foundation of his life. Nothing brought Clare greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around him. Deeply missed, Clare will be forever loved by those who knew him best.

The 1920s were exciting years to be living in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during this influential time that George Julius Weber and Lena Josephine Guentner were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby. George had immigrated from the Transylvania area in modern-day Romania to the United States in 1911, and Lena’s parents had also immigrated from Europe to Pennsylvania. The two met while working at Heinz in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and were married in 1926. They welcomed their son, Clarence, into the world on July 14, 1927.

Growing up, Clare was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Royal Oak, and he spent many of his early years with his cousin, Lucy. From a young age, Clare had a love for airplanes. So, after he graduated high school, it was a natural choice for him to follow the call to serve his country and enlist in the United States Army Air Corps in August of 1945. Clare worked as an airplane mechanic throughout his service.

Following his time in the military, Clare began working at Chrysler’s corporate headquarters as an apprentice in 1950. He eventually became a brilliant draftsman engineer for Chrysler. Clare built his work into a long, solid career, and his strong work ethic earned him great respect. He retired from Chrysler in 1989 after 39 years of dedicated work.

It was while he was working at Chrysler that Clare met his future wife. He worked with a man named Dave Churchill, and it was through Dave that Clare met Irene Stroh. There was an instant connection between the two of them, and over the next six months of dating, they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Clare and Irene were married on January 26, 1952. They would go on to have 55 happy years as husband and wife.

Of all the things Clare loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. He was overjoyed to become a father to his three beloved children, Bob, Brian, and Elaine. Clare thrived in his role as a father, and he strove to care for and provide for his children. Their treasured pets were also considered members of the Weber family. Clare had many priceless memories of family vacations and holidays spent with family. Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather as well. Clare’s son, Brian, owned a cottage on Scott Lake, which became the backdrop for many summer weeks that Clare would spend with his son and grandson. He loved having that time with his family and on the water. Clare once again found love and companionship with his second wife, Joanne Fear. The two were so happy to get married and live out the rest of their days together. Clare always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Clare pursued several hobbies to stay busy in his free time. His lifelong love for airplanes led him to obtain his pilot license. Clare also co-owned a plane that he would fly and even bought a plane of his own to restore in his garage. He enjoyed building flying model planes as well. Clare was not known to drink often, but when he did, he loved to have an ice cold beer. He never took his good health for granted.

As family and friends will certainly agree, Clarence Weber truly understood the secret to living each and every day to the very fullest. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he faced challenges with a spirit of fierce determination. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Clare was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew him. His primary focus was building deep and personal relationships with those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Clare leaves behind the bright torch of his legacy that his loved ones will be proud to pick up and carry on in his footsteps.

Clarence Weber of Kalamazoo, age 97, died on November 9, 2024. Surviving are his wife, Joanne; children: Bob Weber, Brian (Rei) Weber, and Elaine (Steve) Charron; grandchildren: Michael, Paul, Anastasia, Lisa, Max, and Kent; great-grandchildren: Aden, Grace, and Ollie. Celebrate Clare’s life online by sharing favorite photos and stories on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.