Clarence Peter Weber

Born to Anna and Jacob Weber on March 6, 1919, on a farm in Hannah, Michigan, he attended St. Mary School, and then worked for his dad and neighboring farmers until World War II called, making him one of the first draftees from the area.

He served his country honorably from 1941-1945, including storming Omaha Beach, Normandy, on D-Day. He also fought battles at St. Mary Elyse-St. La, France; also Aachen, Bonn, and Liepzig Herten Forrest, all in Germany; then in Leige, and the great Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, winning four Battle Stars as well as a Silver Star. He was very proud to be a Veteran and continued to serve as a life-long member of the American Legion Honor Guard and the VFW. His family took him to the WWII Memorial Dedication in Washington, D.C., where he was thrilled to be a part of this historical event with many of his fellow warriors.

He returned home to the Kingsley area after the war and fell in love with Thelma(Sam) Pahl. Married in 1947, they were dairy farmers and raised six children: Judith (Glenn) LaCross, Terry (Vicki) , Susan, Karen (Doug) Davey, Greg, and Tim (Cindy).

Farming was his greatest passion, for he loved to see a finely tilled field, straight rows of corn, and a barn filled with neatly stacked bales of hay. The farm was a gathering place for friends and family and a fun place for cousins to explore; many of whom regard Uncle Clarence as their favorite. Upon his retirement from farming he enjoyed a second career as a machinist at Cone Drive Gear.

Clarence was a faithful member of St. Mary Hannah and later St. Patrick’s. He served on the Hannah School Board, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a lector, usher, and Eucharistic Minister. He was a board member of the Kingsley Co-op and the Farm Bureau. He also volunteered for the Grand Traverse Mental Health Service as an in-home visitor, using his gift of gab to keep company with shut-ins. His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren: Suzanna (Jon) LaCroix, Benjamin (Kelsey) LaCross, Maria LaCross, Scott Weber, Nicole Weber, Jennifer Weber, Matthew (Audrey) Davey, Thomas Davey, Michael Weber, and Daniel Weber. Many wonderful summers were had with Papa and Mia at the family cottage on Fife Lake. Clarence was blessed to have a long and fruitful life of 92 years, including the reward of four great-grandchildren: Noah and Ryleigh Weber, and Keaton and Lauren LaCross. He is also survived by his brothers: Vince, Amp, Ray, Dan, Jay (Donna), Jack (Mary Ellen); sisters: Sister Mary Aquinas Weber and Marge Wagner; sisters-in-law Barb and Pat; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Carl and Paul, sisters-in-law Lou, Ruth, Bernadine, and Dorothy; brother-in-law Dick Wagner; nephew Fran and great-niece, Shana. Also left to mourn our loss, are many friends, for Clarence, like Will Rogers, “never met a man I didn’t like”! He loved to hunt, especially with his sons at “the 80”, and was proud of his draft horses, his gardens, bird-watching from his easy chair at home, and traveling the World with Sam by his side. The family would like to thank the staffs of TC Tendercare and Comfort Keepers, both of whom treated Clarence with dignity and loving care, especially Dustin and Shirley. We are so grateful! Visitation will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grawn, on Sunday, November 6, from 3-5 and 6-8p.m., with a prayer service at 7p.m. Funeral Mass will be at the church on Monday, November 7, at 11a.m., with visitation from 10-11a.m. Burial will take place at Saint Mary Hannah cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, the Michigan Heart Association, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, and VFW Post 2780. Condolences may be offered at www.covellfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.