STREMPKE, Clinton August

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Clinton August Strempke, 83, of 449 S. Yaqui Circle, Camp Verde, died Friday, June 10th, at Verde Valley Medical Center while in the care of the Cottonwood Division of Northern Arizona Hospice. His death came peacefully at 5:55 P.M. with members of his family at his side. A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion Hall in Camp Verde on Thursday, June 16th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to the Mingus Mountain Shrine Club. The Bueler Funeral Home is caring for Clinton and his family. Clinton was born on December 5th, 1927, in Buchanan Co., Iowa, one of 12 children born to Carl R. and Margaret Strempke. He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1946 and retired in September, 1966 after serving his country for 20 years including tours of duty during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He then used skills learned in the military to train and supervise individuals employed in the areas of home construction and repair. After retiring from full-time employment, Clinton was employed by the Chester Newton/Sunnyside Charter and Montessori School in Camp Verde. He was an active member of the American Legion, Central Arizona Masonic Lodge #14, Mingus Mountain Shrine Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Surviving family members include Dr. Laura Browne of Marshalltown, IA., LaDonna (Rich) Salza of Montville, CT., James (Donna) Strempke of Columbus, GA., and Carl (Lisa) Strempke of Peoria, AZ. In death he has rejoined his parents, Carl and Margaret, his brothers Charles, Clair, and Clyde, and sister Bettyann, his wife, Betty Jean, and long-time friend Bonnie Rascoe. Information provided by survivors.