Merle “Ronch” Clem ·

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Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Fisher Funeral Chapel

Merle “Ronch” Clem fought the good fight and finished the race, in his own best time, at 10:05 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, in his favorite chair at home, with his family by his side. For the past several months, they were in it for the long haul, holding his hand until his final breath was drawn.

Born October 19, 1937, in Logansport, Ronch was the last of nine children to be “welcomed home” by his loving parents, Harold Richard and Maria (Snyder) Clem. He was preceded in death by six brothers, Mike, Butch, John, Al, Roy, and Harold Clem; and two sisters, Betty Wheeler and Helen Murphy.

He was married on May 24, 1959, in Logansport to Karen K. (DuVall) Clem. On August 5, 1968, at the age of 26, Karen preceded him in death leaving him with three small children.

For many years, Ronch was the co-owner of Clem’s Cycle Sales. He later became a licensed realtor, and worked with The Brokerage House before retiring.

A natural born competitor – and who wouldn’t be with eight siblings – Ronch loved racing. He held several records and championship titles in Micro Midget Racing. He loved tinkering around and Ronch could fix anything. His second love was the game of golf, again competing in city and county tournaments as well as many charity events. He was always “in it to win it.”

He is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Dart and her husband, Bruce, and Karla Baer; his grandchildren: Matthew and Adam Dart, Amy Titus, Sarah Vaughan, TJ (Schlene) DeWitt, and Jessica Broyles; five great-grandchildren, Mykel, Malachi and Ethan Vaughan, Breanna Richter, and Boston DeWitt; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife parents, and eight siblings, he was preceded in death his son, Samuel Allen Clem.

In true Clem fashion, there will be no services. Take Ronch’s smile and all his best qualities and apply them to the way you live out your measure of days. Make the world a better place because he lived.

Please take a moment to share your memories of Ronch on his Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.