Clarence John Backer

Clarence John Backer, 93, of Sioux City was called home by his heavenly father Monday, August 17, 2020 after a brief illness.

Services will be at 10am. Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church, with Fr. Rupp officiating, and concelebrated by Clarence’s two nephews, the Rev. Armand Bertrand, and Fr. Dennis Backer. Visitation will be at 9am before the service begins.

Clarence was born May 8, 1927 in LeMars, IA, the son of Henrietta Kappes and William Backer. He grew up in Ashton, IA and graduated from Central High School in Sioux City in 1946.

He married Yvette DeMers on June 7, 1949. Their wedding took place at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church in Sioux City. Nine children were born to this union. Clarence served in the Army as a medic during WWII and was honorably discharged. He worked as a plasterer for Franks Plastering and worked for the United States Postal service for 32 years, retiring in 1988. He was a great handyman and could build or fix almost anything.  

He was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and missed her terribly when she passed. They are now together again. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Clarence loved smiling, playing cards, going for walks, and watching the Chicago Cubs. He was a member of the Morningside American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory are his nine children, Kathleen (Gordon) Pynn, William (Cindy) Backer, and Sandra (Jack) Maiso, all of Sioux City, Ronda (Dan) Whitson of Springfield, MO, Michael Backer of LaPalma, CA, Douglas (Cindy) Backer of Sioux City, Sharon (Gene) Klunk of La Palma, CA, Barbara (Steven) Condon of Sioux City, and Debra Backer of Sioux City. 18 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, two sister in laws, Mary Ann Backer and Yvonne Bertrand, and his favorite granddog, Roxie.

Waiting to greet him in heaven, beside our Lord, were his wife, his parents,  5 brothers, Elmer, Gerald, Dale, Eugene, and Leon Backer, a sister, Elvira Huisman, a great grandson, Cameron Dean Condon and a great-great granddaughter, Oaklyn Maria Sands.

At this time of COVID, masks are required for all services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Sunrise Retirement Community, or Mater Dei Parish.