Services
Obituary
E. Clement McLaughlin, a cherished father and grandfather, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the age of 87. Clem, as he was affectionately called, left this world surrounded by his family at StoryPoint in Urbandale.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 3rd Street Northeast. Burial will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Belmond.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026, with a Rosary and Scriptural Wake starting at 4:00 PM, at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Born on May 8, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, Clem was the beloved son of Edward and Vineta McLaughlin.
Clem spent his formative years in Gilmore City, where he graduated from St. John's Catholic School in 1953 before attending Belmond High School, graduating in 1957. He furthered his education at Iowa Central Community College and North Iowa Area Community College, specializing in Business Management and earning his Welding Certification.
Clem married the love of his life, Cheryl Benson, in 1959, raising 7 children and enjoying many grandchildren and great-grandchildren over 66 years of marriage.
Clem's career was diverse and fulfilling. He began working for the Iowa Highway Commission, a role that sparked his lifelong love for infrastructure and development. He cherished a 17-year tenure in farming, where he raised Hereford and Angus cattle alongside his sons. His skills in carpentry, electrical work, and welding found him at Maasdam Construction, Henning Construction and Kiefer Built. He joined Chicago & Northwestern Railroad as a foreman, where he nurtured his passion for trains. Later, Clem dedicated 15 years at Winnebago Industries before officially retiring in 2003. Together, Clem and Cheryl delighted in delivering Winnebagos across the nation and capturing school memories with Lifetouch Photography.
A man of unwavering faith, Clem served diligently on the Church Council and as a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis. His involvement in 4-H and FFA reflected his commitment to fostering growth and learning, whether it was showing livestock with his sons or supporting his daughters in 4-H events.
Clem's home was his sanctuary. He and Cheryl took pride in beautifying their Lake Cornelia farm, tending to their garden, and nurturing a cherished apple tree. His machine shed was a haven of innovation, where he sketched and tinkered, ever eager to improve farm life. Known for his infectious smile and warm wink, Clem shared his time mentoring his children in sports and the importance of prayer, often kneeling with them at bedtime. His grandchildren were a focal point of his joy, whether attending their events or sharing simple pleasures like wagon rides and tractor adventures.
Clem is survived by his children: Scott (Terry) McLaughlin, Jeff (Charlotte) McLaughlin, Tami (Dale) Kroll, Jackie (Brent) Thomas, Alison (Eric) Russell, and Kristie (Chris) Houdek; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and another great-grandchild on the way; along with his sister, Francis Gilroy, brother-in-law Dan Gilroy, and sister-in-law Janice McLaughlin. He was also a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Clem was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl, and son Todd; sister Cecilia Hanson and brother Thomas McLaughlin.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at StoryPoint Senior Living in Urbandale, whose kindness and care made Clem's final days comfortable. The echoes of Johnny Cash music, a shared favorite, brought smiles to both Clem and those around him.