Garland "Gene" Clerc

GARLAND “GENE” EUGENE CLERC, 83, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 1:12 am, Thursday, May 13, 2021 at his residence.

He was born to the late William and Laura (nee Deterding) Clerc on August 19, 1937 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.

Gene married Arlene M. Huck on October 10, 1959 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri; she survives.

Gene was a retired Manufacturing Engineer at Boeing (formerly McDonnell-Douglas) in St. Louis, Missouri where he was employed for 32 years. He was a grain and cattle farmer for most of his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed drag racing. He later served as a judge for the annual St. Charles, Missouri Lion’s Club Car Show for many years. Gene was an avid reader of history and enjoyed woodworking and RV camping. He will be remembered for his humorous spirit, his strong work ethic, and his passion for the outdoors. He served in the United States Army from 1956-58. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher and the American Legion #622 in Prairie du Rocher, IL

Surviving besides his beloved wife of 61 years are: six children: Kathleen (Robert) Greenberg of Evergreen, CO, Daryl (Pamela) Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, IL, Dean (Julie) Clerc of St. Charles, MO, Duane Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, IL, Daniel (Janie) Clerc of Bonney Lake, WA and Kelly (Jason) Kertz of Prairie du Rocher, IL; 12 Grandchildren:Jeremy (Ashley) Greenberg, Alissa (Glen) Broom, Jennine (Cody) Weber, Elliot Clerc, Caitlin Clerc, Lauren Clerc, Maura Clerc, Hannah Clerc, Sam Clerc, Rachel Clerc, Livie Kertz and Maggie Kertz and 4 Great Grandchildren: Isaac Greenberg, Theo Weber, Joey Weber and Bella Weber. Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

A Private Funeral Service was held at Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois with Msgr. Dennis Schaefer officiating with interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.

Memorials contributions can be made in Gene’s memory to Hospice of Southern Illinois and memorials are being accepted at Pechacek Funeral Homes in Red Bud.

A Celebration of Life in Gene’s honor for family and friends will be held in the near future.