Clement "Clem" J. Plein

Clement “Clem” J. Plein, 84, of Dubuque, IA passed away on September 22, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque. A time for sharing will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Military Honors to follow accorded by the American Legion Post #6 of Dubuque and the United States Army, Iowa National Guard. Burial will take place on a later date in Linwood Cemetery.

Clem was born in Dubuque on September 12, 1941, the son of Valentine and Luella (Fagan) Plein. Clem graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and served in the United States Army from 1960 – 1963. He married Irene B. Nash on July 13, 1963, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Clem worked as an operator for John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement on April 30, 2002.

Clem was an avid bowler and loved spending time with family and friends. He was very proud of his garden, and especially all of his grandchildren.

In the words of Clem ~ "If I Could make one person laugh everyday, that's what I was put here to do!"

Clem is survived by his children, Larry Plein of Las Vegas, Nevada, Maria (Kevin) Bryson, Betty (Matt) Loney, both of Dubuque, and Kathy (Bill) Kramer of Cascade, Iowa; his grandchildren, Ashley (Joe) Biedermann, Mitchell (Stacey) Bryson, Caleb Loney, Sam Loney, Jacob Loney, Michael Loney, Sean (Katelen) Hoover, Daniel Kramer, and Evelyn Kramer; his great grandchildren, Logan and Thea Biedermann, Estella Bryson, and Sawyer Jasper; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sharon Hadley.

Clem was preceded in death by his parents Valentine and Luella; his wife, Irene; brothers and sisters; and brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at MercyOne Medical Center.

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