Rick Clemons

Rick Clemons, 59, of Eldora, passed away on Aug. 23, 2021, after bravely battling a lengthy illness. Rick was born on Dec. 15, 1961, at the Eldora Hospital to Marjorie M. (MacDonald) Clemons and Warren H. Clemons. Rick was united in marriage to Robin Hazelwood on March 20, 1982. To this marriage, one son, Justin, was born. The couple later divorced. In March 1996, Rick met his partner for life, Sara Heiserman. Rick grew up in Eldora and attended Eldora Community Schools before he discovered at an early age that he had a talent for working on all kinds of motorized vehicles. At 17 years old, he started working at the DX owned by the LaVelle family. This job led Rick to a life-long career working as a mechanic, first at Crandall Motors, then Elbert’s Chevrolet, Bisson Chevrolet, Dale Howard Motors and finally Lakeside Motors. In June of 1996, Rick opened Quality Automotive with Eric Ross, his friend and business partner for the next 25 years. Rick was known as much for his honesty and trustworthiness as he was for being an excellent mechanic.

Rick has always been exceedingly quiet and easy going. He was always slow to anger, but once there… watch out! He took great joy in helping others; however, accepting help was very hard for him, especially during his illness. Fishing was Rick’s favorite hobby, and he loved river fishing, lake fishing, fly-fishing ~ ANY fishing. He also bowled for many years in the men’s league at Eldora Bowl, until his health would not allow him to do so anymore.

Rick is survived by his partner of 25 years, Sara Heiserman; his son, Justin Clemons and grandson, Alexander. He is also survived by his siblings: Patsy Rosburg and Judy Knott of Eldora; Maggie (Larry) Knott of Ackley; Beth Ites of Iowa Falls; Alan Clemons of Sparks, NV; Paul (Deb) Clemons of Union; Terry (Cindy Clemons) of Union; Jack (Kim) Clemons of Eldora; Jeff (Marjean) Clemons of Ackley; Cary (Lisa) Heiserman of Wichita, KS; Stan (Julie) Campbell of Brush Prairie, WA; Karen (Darren) Hurt of Newton; Lance Campbell of Lisbon; Jim (DeAnna) Campbell of Lisbon, and Carson (Frankie) Campbell, as well as parents-in-love Gary and Shirley Heiserman. Rick is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts-in-love, and friends who have become family.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Valerie and Mary; brothers-in-law Arlo Rosburg, Bob Knott and Frank Ites as well as his four legged furry companion, Peaches.

Following Rick’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Public memorial services for Rick will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 at Orchard Hill Church located at 1800 G Ave, Grundy Center, Iowa 50638 with Pastor Brian Steenhoek officiating. Public visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, at the Creps Abels Funeral Chapel located at 905 Edgington Ave, Eldora, Iowa 50627. Memorial contributions may be directed in Rick’s name to his family, which will be later designated elsewhere. For further information or to leave a condolence please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com. Creps Abels Funeral Home is caring for Rick and his family.