Junior Stonebraker

Clarence Junior Stonebraker, 88, of Ottumwa, Iowa and formerly of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on June 8, 2023 at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center. He was born on November 2, 1934 in rural Keokuk County, Iowa to Clarence H. and Alta Bell Echelberry Stonebraker. In 1940, his family moved to Davis County, Iowa. He served in the US Army from 1957-1959, and then the Army Reserves until 1963. On August 27, 1957 he married Karen Kay Boley in Belton, Texas. Junior worked for John Morrell in Ottumwa for 20 years before starting work at John Deere Ottumwa Works in 1973. He continued to work for John Deere until his retirement in 1996. Junior was an avid supporter of the Davis County boy’s and girl’s sports teams and attended many games over the years. Junior and Karen were Grand Marshalls of the Homecoming Parade one year. Junior enjoyed camping with his grandchildren and camping with Karen at country and bluegrass music festivals. Junior and Karen also spent many winters in Texas. His family was the most important part of his life and he loved spending time with them all. Junior took great pride in having served in the military and volunteered with the Patriot Guard to help with funerals. He also took pride in keeping his yard and landscaping looking nice. He attended church at the Calvary Baptist Church in Ottumwa. He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Sheila (Dennis) Horn of Batavia, Iowa, Teresa Cremer of West Des Moines, Iowa, Lisa (Steve) Gruwell of Ottumwa; three grandchildren, Megan (Shawn) Schippers of New Sharon, Iowa, Alicia (André Popich) Adkins of Ottumwa, Jeremy Ludvicek of Swisher, Iowa; four great-grandchildren, Michael, Morgan, and Mallory Schippers, Mackenzie Adkins; one brother, Harry Stonebraker of Sigourney, Iowa; two sisters, Linda (Kris) Johnston of Columbus Junction, Iowa, Brenda Comer of Bloomfield; one brother-in-law, Roger (Rita) Boley of Moravia, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Diana (Robert) Willier of Pulaski, Iowa, Cheryl (Terry) House of Ottumwa; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Linda Ludvicek; great-grandson, Logan Adkins; brother, Melvin Stonebraker; two sisters-in-law, Helen Stonebraker, Norma Stonebraker; and two brothers-in-law, Greg Comer, and Steve Boley. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023 at the Floris Baptist Church in Floris, Iowa with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Burial will be at the Dunnville Cemetery in Davis County with military rites performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at noon on Sunday with the family present to greet friends from 2-4:00 p.m. at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. Memorials have been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Monroe County, Iowa and to the Davis County “A” Club.

Junior Stonebraker

November 2, 1934 - June 8, 2023