Byron P Clements

Byron graduated from Central H.S., then on to the US Army where he served on the west coast and in Alaska during the Korean War. He was an instructor on the 50mm guns. He returned home to help his mother on the barge when his Dad passed away in 1947.

He met a young La Crosse teacher, the fetching Joyce Max, at the Big River in Genoa. She had ventured into town seeking a tire bargain at Jambois Garage. They married in 1959. Mark followed, and 7 years later Jann. A more loving father could not be found. Mark helped Dad build their new house, board by board, on a bluff side overlooking Byrons beloved Mississippi River. The family spent countless summer months motoring through nearly every state in the union and much of Mexico. Gallons of water and canned meat were included in Byrons homemade car top and the adventures began. Lots of memories. Joyce passed away in 1996.

Byron, Mark and Jannall river boat captains. While the barge continues to serve four generations of loyal patrons, the Clements found time to pilot some large boats to and from the south, the Miss Marquette among them. The uproarious tales from those voyages would fill volumes. Some very serious tales occurred around the barge at Lock and Dam 8 where, over the years, Byron and Mark rescued some 30 boats and anglers. Tiny, overloaded boats usually, not fit for conditions. And those too close to the dam. Pure treachery. Due partly to those rescues, Byron was presented the U.S. Fish and Wildlifes first River Guardian Award. It was an emotional time for us all. Game Wardens were actually blubbering.

Byron served as an officer of the WI Conservation Congress for many years, as a member of Cong. Gundersons and Cong. Kinds River Committees and he was very proud to be one of three who secured the valuable EMP funds for the Upper Mississippi River Refuge. The river was his life. He was a captain until the end.

He was active in the Shriners for a time and achieved 32thndth Degree status. He belonged to Legion Post 246 and the Vernon County GOP.

He married Jennifer Yeskie Hurtgen in 1997, also widowed. The couples had been long time friends. They and their treasured German Wirehaired Pointer Greta shared a cozy apt. above Captain Hooks. They enjoyed traveling, dining out and family gatherings.

He was so happy these past 13 years to be a part of Captain Hooks Bait and Tackle while making and sustaining wonderful friendships. The daily Coffee Group was a joyful and meaningful part of his life.

Byron was a hard worker, toiling long and demanding hours for much of his life. He was instantly likable, kind and tender hearted. Barely a day passed when his eyes didnt well up over something, usually concerning Jann or Mark.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents and his beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever Cocoa, his loyal companion on the barge for 13 years.

Left to mourn him and miss him every day are his wife Jennifer, son Mark (Karen), daughter Jann (Pete), grandchildren David, Cameron, Conner and Laura, sister-in-law Barbara Drury, cousin Barbara Meyers and Greta.

As a friend said, we have lost a legend. Byron succumbed to lung cancer on January 12, 2013 at Gundersen/Lutheran Medical Center. The family is most grateful for the cancer teams kind and loving care .

Family and friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, La Crosse Chapel, on Wednesday, January 16th from 4:00 7:00 where a time to share stories will begin at 6:30 PM. Private family committal services with military honors will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Friends of Pool 9, Wafer Food Pantry, Shriners Childrens Hospital or a local humane society.