Clemens E. Spindler

Clemens Evan "Shorty" Spindler, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on October 9, 2024, at the age of 94. Clemens was born on May 17, 1930, to Chris and Mabel Spindler in Sioux City.

Shorty attended Central High School, and after graduating, he went to work at the Swift Packing Plant. However, he soon felt the call to serve his country and decided to join the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, Shorty pursued a career in Navy Air and proudly served for four years.

After his service, Shorty returned to civilian life and decided to further his education. He attended Wayne State College, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Industrial Arts of Education, with an emphasis in science and math. He worked for the Sioux City Community School District, where he taught math at North Junior and auto body at Central Annex. After many years of teaching, Shorty retired in 1993 but continued to contribute to education by subbing for various schools in the district well into his 80s, and also teaching auto body at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

In the 1950s, a home-cooked authentic Italian dinner brought Shorty and Betty together, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. In 1959, Clem and Betty were married and spent 60 wonderful years together raising two children, Tim and Chris. Their love transcended life and remained ever-present even after Betty’s passing in 2018.

Shorty was a devoted family man who cherished time with his loved ones. He found great joy in working on cars and machinery, spending many happy hours tinkering in his barn. He also enjoyed fishing, often spending quiet moments by the water, casting a line. He was happiest when surrounded by family or working on projects he loved.

He was a longtime member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and in the past, held the title of Senior Warden on the vestry. He was also deeply involved in community service, volunteering for many years at the church food pantry and delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program after retiring.

Shorty is survived by his son, Chris; his daughter-in-law, Dana Jean; his grandchildren, Blythe, Evan, Margee, Denise, Theo, Ali, and Leah; and his great-grandchildren, Payton, Hudson, Elijah, and Leo, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Mabel Spindler; his beloved wife, Betty; his son, Tim, and infant daughter, Denise; and his siblings, Christopher, Lou, Byron, Raymond, Helen, June, Jean, and Margaret. 

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City with Pastor Stacey Gerhart officiating. Military honors will be presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.