Clarence Plocher, 97

Clarence F. Plocher, 97, of Highland died on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016 at Legacy Place in Highland.

A private funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, with Father Pat G. Jakel, pastor, officiating. Private burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1918 in Highland to Adolph J. and Rosa C. (Hitz) Plocher. On Nov. 19, 1946, he married Marie A. Poettker. She survives in Highland.

Mr. Plocher grew up on a farm southeast of Highland. He worked in St. Louis for Emerson Electric. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and participated the Battle of Midway.

When he returned from the service, he worked as a body man at Highland Body Shop. He purchased the body shop in 1946 owned and operated it until 1978.

He also owned Lakeview Stables and bred, raised and sold Quarter Horses. He also raised beef cattle. He farmed in his retirement.

In his early years, he enjoyed hunting quail and pheasant, and he raised Britney Spaniels. He also hunted raccoons and was an original member of the Jamestown Coon Hunters Association.

He was also a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Lee Iten American Legion Post 439, VFW Post 5694, and the Helvetia Sharpshooters Society, all in Highland.

Other survivors include sons, LeVan P. Plocher of Highland, Kevin J. Plocher Sr. of Highland, Mark A. (Connie) Plocher of Highland and Timothy J. (Mary Kay) Plocher of Highland; daughters, Donna M. (John) Gantner of Highland, Geri A. Plocher of Highland and Mary L. (Michael) Carroll of Highland; grandchildren, U.S. Navy Commander Corey J. “Trout” (wife Deanna Christensen) Plocher, Carrie R. (Michael) Cohan, John C. Gantner, Krystal M. (Brian) McClenahan, Kelsey A. (Bas) Gantner Slats, Adam J. Gantner, Michelle R. Streeb, Kevin J. (Mary Beth) Plocher Jr., Kristopher J. Plocher, Amber C. Melendy, Matthew A. (Julie) Plocher, Mandie L. (Steve) Jones, Daniel R. Plocher, Luke A. Plocher, Shane M. Plocher, Zackary S. Carroll and Blake M. Carroll; 14 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, who died in February 1974; his mother, who died on Jan. 22, 1980; a daughter-in-law, Bertha E. Plocher (nee Hill), who died on Feb. 20, 2011; sisters, Anita Anna Thiems, who died on Aug. 28, 1991, Alma Rosa Sophia Plocher, who died on Nov. 8, 2001, Olivia E. Plocher, who died on July 5, 1994, Viola Edna Plocher, who died on Aug. 7, 2003, and Mildred Bleisch, who died on Sept. 30, 1974; and brothers-in-law, Walter Thiems, who died on May 16, 1989, and Floyd Bleisch, who died on June 30, 1980.

Memorials may be made to the Madison County Child Advocacy Center or as Masses.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 9:45 AM with the headline "Clarence Plocher, 97."