Clem W. Distler

Clem W. Distler, 89, of Jefferson City, formerly of California, Mo., passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Oak Tree Villas in Jefferson City. He was born on May 20, 1923, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Joseph Martin and Josephine (Hentges) Distler, both of whom preceded him in death. He was married on September 23, 1944, in Folk, Mo. to Rose Van Loo, who survives of the home. He was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church in California. Clem worked in construction and also was a farmer. He loved spending time with his family. He and Rose had 13 children, Mary Jo (Larry) Stevenson of Sedalia, Bill Distler (deceased) and wife Irma of Jefferson City, Linda (Gary) Bardwell of California, David (Lorna) Distler of Columbia, Theresa Lasniewski and husband Victor (deceased) of Sedalia, Arlene Distler (deceased), Margaret (Raymond) Bieri of California, Beverly (Darwin) Smith of Russellville, Joe (Sally) Distler of Jefferson City, Dale (Carolyn) Distler of Branson, Donna (Larry) Crawford of O'Fallon, Pam (Roger) Schnieders of California, and Allen (Garta) Distler of Jefferson City; 39 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; one brother-in-law, Emil Schwartze of Westphalia; two sisters-in-law, Charlene Distler and Agnes Distler, both of Jefferson City. He was preceded in death by five sisters, Bernadine Poetker, Irene Kuebler, Coletta Rademan, Mildred Wankum and Rosemary Schwartze; and two brothers, Cletus Distler and Anthony Distler. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church in California, Mo. Burial will be in Annunciation Catholic Cemetery. Officiating will be Fr. David Maher. There will be a Prayer Service on Monday, April 22, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at the church, with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Baker's Dozen Relay for Life Team in honor of Clem's daughter Pam, who is a cancer survivor, or the Mustard Seed Radio Program, c/o Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak, California, MO 65018. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.