Tribute & Message From The Family
Clair A. Powers, 89, longtime resident of Iowa City, died Saturday, March 26, 2016, in Colorado Springs where he has been living to be near his daughter.
Funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery where military honors will be provided. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Friday and after 9:30 am until services Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his memory to Mercy Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.
Clair Ambers Powers was born April 12, 1926, in Iowa City the son of Lewis A. and Wilhelmina E. (Wieske) Powers. He attended Iowa City schools, graduating from City High School with the Class of 1944, and later from the University of Iowa with his Bachelor of Arts Degree. During WWII, after graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for two years. In 1950, he became one of the first group of men drafted from Johnson County, Iowa and served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. On June 27, 1951, he married Louise M. Sorensen in Iowa City. Clair worked for the former Iowa State Bank & Trust Company (now MidWest One Bank) for many years retiring as a vice-president in 1991. He was a lifelong and active member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, also belonged to the Elks Lodge and the American Legion. Clair was an avid University of Iowa Hawkeye fan and attended many Hawkeye wrestling meets as well as other Hawkeye sports.
His family includes his daughter, Mary Beth Powers of Colorado Springs; sister, Wilma Gower of Hattiesburg, MS; sisters-in-law, Helen "Parky" Sorensen of Hills; Leona Pelechek of Marion, Lois Seemuth (Bob) of Iowa City, and Jane Sorensen of South Pasadena, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Louise in 1992; and siblings, Lewis, John, Vern, Russell, Evelyn, and Lester.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Mary Beth,
My apologies for this late condolence but I only learned of Clair's passing today as I was out of town when the obituary was in the paper. I have worked at ISB&T/MidWestOne Bank for nearly 20 years, and your dad always came in to say hello. He didn't want to interrupt but wanted to see how everyone was doing and keep in touch with the institution for which he worked for so long. He always brought a smile to my face--his own smile was radiant, and he always had a kind word. I also enjoyed hearing about his trips to Colorado and your dogs (I am a dog lover myself) especially when he used to go out and dog sit and house sit for you.
I'm sure you know how dearly he loved you. He talked about you with pride and joy. I will miss seeing him in the bank and at our Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to which he brought Walter Schmidt so many years. He was truly a gem, and he will be dearly missed.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Thais Winkleblack
Posted by
Thais Winkleblack - Iowa City, IA - Friend April 12, 2016
Mary Beth, so sad to hear about your Dad. We lived across the street next to my grandparents (Harry and Eleanor Woode). We all loved your Dad. He was the best neighbor, always helping everyone. He will be missed.
Kevin and Martie Fleming
Posted by
A friend April 02, 2016
Dear Mary Beth,
I lived next door to your dad for ten years. He was a wonderful man. He was always so cheerful and enjoyed the kids. I am so sorry to hear about his passing.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Burger
Posted by
Sue Burger - IOwa City, IA - Friend April 02, 2016
I was very fortunate to meet Clair later in his life. He was a beautiful person, kind, gentle and compassionate. He raised the most amazing daughter. Like he always said, she's something else. Sending lots of love, hugs and healing energy to you and your family. Rest in peace Clair.
Posted by
Donna Richer - Colorado Springs, CO - Friend April 01, 2016
Mary Beth
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Jean Eash - Coworker April 01, 2016
Patricia and Gary send their sincere condolences to Mary Beth and all of the family. We always enjoyed the times we spent with Clair when he was in town and we saw him in various places. Clair was a good, gentle man, somebody who loved his family, especially his daughter. The world was a much better place with Clair in it and he will be missed by many, including us. We are there with you all in spirit this weekend. Your are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Gary and Patricia Abbott - Colorado Springs, CO - Friend March 31, 2016
Joel Myers introduced me to Clair at his house. Clair made you feel very welcomed and enjoyed the visit. The memory of his peace and great smile will be remembered.
Randy
Posted by
Randy Schropp - IA - Friend March 31, 2016
Mary Beth - we are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Jim was recently sharing memories of conversations he used to have with Clair when he was in town visiting you, many years ago. Much love to you and your extended family.
Posted by
Jim & Haley Scherr - Colorado Springs, CO - Friend March 31, 2016
I worked at Iowa State Bank in the early 60's with Clair and he always had a smile and was wonderful to work with. all of our co-workers were very close and we all got along with each other. After leaving the bank to have my family I lost touch with most of my co workers but they will never be forgotten. My deepest thoughts and prayers to you at this time
Posted by
joan (maske) Dinnel - iowa city, IA - Coworker March 31, 2016
Mary, I'm sorry I can't be there but know you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Susie Miller - Sugarcreek, OH - Family March 31, 2016
Uncle Clair was a truly special person--my dad's brother always had a smile on his face and was such a positive energy. But what I remember most about Clair was his quiet strength. After my father died, he was there for my mom and the rest of our family. I particularly remember his strong presence when my brother passed. We knew he would be there if we asked. That was the kind of person Clair was--a good and giving soul.
My deepest sympathy to you, Mary Beth. We are blessed with many good memories shared with your father. I hope those memories bring you strength through this difficult time.
Janet Powers Metzger
(known to Clair as "Jannie")
Posted by
Janet Powers Metzger - Grapevine, TX - Family March 30, 2016
To Mary Beth,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I have so many memories of working with him at Iowa State Bank. He will be greatly missed. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Linnet Wainwright
Posted by
Linnet Wainwright - Clay Center, KS March 30, 2016
