Clarence M. Bouwma, Sr., 73, joined his loving wife, Jane, in heaven on Feb. 18, 2015, after a long hard fought battle with cancer; he was surrounded by his family.

Mr. Bouwma was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 19, 1941 in the backseat of his grandfather’s auto.

He served in the U.S. Navy. He was a truck driver, construction worker, school bus driver and was a driver for Del’s Handy Van. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards and especially spending time with his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by six children, Beth (Joe) Meidl, Phlox, Renee Bouwma, Wabeno, Tracy (Steve) Drews, Racine, Clarence Bouwma, Jr., Circle Pines, MN, Debbie (Scott) Dexter, New London, and Kathy Arrowood, Antigo. Also survived by two sisters, Christine Stemmer, New Hope, MN, Elaine (Churck) Weber, Oak Creek, and a brother, Tim (Paula) Bouwma, Racine; mother-in-law, Johanna Halbur, Burlington; 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson , many nieces and nephews ; other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, parents, Clarence and Abbie (Jung) Bouwma, brother, Edward Bouwma, grandson, Cade Dexter and father-in-law Henry Halbur.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, Feb. 20 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home with Reverend Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Military Honors will be held following the service at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home.