Gerald E Clemens
March 12, 1946- March 17, 2023
The question we all ask is “Why does God take the good ones?
When you pick flowers, which ones do you grab first?”
The classic answer is “The most beautiful ones.”
His last day here he had a party in his room! Loud with laughter, stories, hugs and
kisses. He waited until his party was over, for quiet time with his family before he
took his final breath. Peacefully. No more suffering, just joy on the other side!
Gerry was born in Aurora, Illinois in 1946. His childhood was filled with shenanigans,
good buddies and cool cars. In 1965 he joined the Naval Reserves. He already met
the love of his life, his soon to be wife, Kathleen Buhrman. They married June 25,
The Navy brought them to Long Beach, CA for new adventures and friends.
Gerry became active duty and served on the USS Galveston, a guided missile
cruiser. He was allowed the privilege to cruise the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Italy
and Pompeii as well as other ports. Gerry was honorably discharged in 1967.
After discharge from the Navy he became an Insurance Investigator for Equifax.
Equifax allowed him a transfer to Colorado in 1979 to live his and Kathy’s dream.
Eventually retiring from Equifax, he and Kathy spent some time living in Texas,
working on Kathy’s business. Returning to Colorado for good, Gerry enjoyed camping,
kayaking and hikes. He walked every Sunday with his best friends and went out to
breakfast. He liked having guy time!
He wasn’t one to sit still too long. He spent time with FEMA doing property
inspections after hurricane Isabel. Gerry possessed the ability to be
compassionate, empathetic and always quick with a smile. He genuinely wanted to
help those folks.
Gerry had various jobs with Sears since he was a teen, this didn’t change as he got
older. He was a loyal employee to the company and the brand.
Gerry and Kathy had two children. Kelly Hoelzer/Scanlin (Robert) and Patrick
Clemens (Michelle) Gerry was an amazing Father, always ready to help or just to
listen. He was terrible at enforcing punishment/ grounding and let us off despite
Mom! However, he much preferred to lecture……. Into the wee hours of the night.
Those lectures made a difference!
Gerry leaves behind his best friend and loving wife of 57 years, Kathy. Children,
Kelly and Patrick. Grandchildren, Kylie Hoelzer, Daniel Hoelzer, Logan Clemens and
Robert Swords.
Cousin Kris (Selmartian) Gustafson and nephews, David and Anthony Kostner.
Gerry was preceded in death by his father, Carl Clemens, Mother, Evie Clemens,
Sister, Cheri Kostner as well as his niece Donna Kostner.
The family would like to extend our appreciation to Pikes Peak Hospice for taking
such wonderful care of him.
A celebration of life will be held April 17th ,2023 from 2pm until 4 pm at Peak City
Church. 1710 Dublin Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80918.
There are not enough words to explain what a wonderful, kind and loving man he
was. He will never be forgotten. Absolutely gone too soon, but you will always remain
in our hearts.
Interment will be at a later date at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.