Vera Clem

May 29, 1922 - August 17, 2015

On Aug. 17, 2015, Vera A. Clem announced she was "going home" and peacefully went home to join our Lord in heaven and her husband, Frank, who passed away on May 28, 2015.

Vera was born May 29, 1922, to Charles and Augusta (Krueger) Guggenbickler in Frances, Wash. at the homestead. When she was 11 years old, in April 1934, she moved with her family to Enumclaw, Wash., where her parents farmed. When she was ready to begin high school, the family moved into town. She was quite athletic and while attending high school, she lettered in tennis three consecutive years. Upon graduation in 1940, she worked in Murray's drug store. It was here where she met her future husband of 73 years, Frank L. Clem, Jr. He had recently moved to the area with his parents and sisters. He and his dad were working nearby on Mud Mountain Dam.

Frank and Vera were married in Enumclaw's Sacred Heart Catholic Church on October 25, 1941. They made their home in Bellevue, Washington, where he was employed as a welder in the Kirkland shipyards helping to build ships and training new welding recruits for the World War II effort. After the war, they moved back to Enumclaw where they raised four children. Frank worked at Weyerhaeuser's White River mill as a combination welder until he retired.

Vera kept very busy raising children, being active in church activities, and later taking care of her elderly parents. She belonged to the Holy Family Ladies' Guild, St. Catherine's Circle, taught Catechism, was a Eucharistic minister, and participated in the annual church dinners.

In 1987, a few years after Dad's retirement, they moved to Moses Lake where their daughter and son-in-law live. They became members of our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. They adapted quickly to the area enjoying new friends met at church, Broadway Estates, the Senior Center, and through playing bridge. Eventually, their son, Jess, moved to Moses Lake. Frank and Vera especially enjoyed spending time with all of their children and grandchildren.

Vera stated that her husband and children were her greatest joy. Many times she shared with her daughters that she loved being a housewife and mother. This was no secret by her actions and involvement. Her love was felt every day. Mom taught us to look for the best in people and to always do our best no matter how big or small the task. She often reminded us that we could achieve whatever we put our mind to and to have faith that God would always guide us. When asked what she wanted her family to remember her for, she said, "for loving and caring for them equally."

Mom's hobbies included embroidery work, calligraphy, ceramics, sewing, gardening, and raising beautiful dahlias. Playing cards with family and friends may have been at the top of her list. She was an excellent bridge player. Baseball was also a big interest of hers. Nothing gave her more pleasure than to watch and follow her sons, Jim and Jess, and later her grandsons, Zachary and Jacob Clem, play through their youth league, high school, college, and professional years. During her lifetime, she was always a big fan of the University of Washington athletic teams so having two grandsons that played baseball for the Huskies was especially exciting for her.

Vera is survived by her daughters Carole (Tim) Sfondouris of Greece, Patricia (Dwight) Teitzel of Moses Lake, and her sons Jim (Annette) Clem of Burlington, and Jess Clem of Moses Lake; grandchildren George (Rena), Angela, and Frank Sfondouris and Zachary and Jacob Clem as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Augusta Guggenbickler and her three brothers Carl, Art, and Bob.

Services will be held at our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Friday, August 28. The Rosary will begin at 1 p.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the family at Crystal Springs for the love and care they gave Mom.