Representative Clarence F. Schmarje View All Years

CLARENCE F. SCHMARJE

Mr. Speaker: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character, and public service of the late Honorable Clarence F. Schmarje begs leave to submit the following Memorial:

Clarence F. Schmarje was born on July 30, 1911 in Muscatine, Iowa. He graduated from Muscatine High School and the University of Iowa with a bachelor of science, a master of science and a doctorate in mechanical engineering. He married Doris DeCamp on June 15, 1933 and they had two sons and a daughter. Mr. Schmarje founded Schmarje Tool Company in 1942, initially to make tools for the pearl button industry. Along with his father he founded the Ronda Button Co. During 1950 thru 1960 they exported clams to Japan for similar industry. Mr. Schmarje was a member of many organizations and he was active in local and state Masonic orders. He was a member of the Methodist Church, Elks, and a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Mr. Schmarje and his wife were tireless workers in Republican politics on a local, state and national level. He was twice elected state representative for Muscatine and Louisa counties. He served many years on the Muscatine County Republican Central Committee, and was a frequent delegate to state conventions. Mr. Schmarje represented Muscatine and Louisa counties during the 1967-68 General Assemblies. As a legislator he introduced the bill making the Geode the “State Rock of Iowa”. He also was one of a group of legislators who pushed legislation enabling Muscatine to get the new bridge across the Mississippi River.

He died on September 1, 1995, in Muscatine. He is survived by his two sons, Ron of Muscatine, David of Lompoc, California; and daughter Diane Wood of Lubbock, Texas as well as six grandchildren. Mr. Schmarje was preceded in death by his wife Doris on August 24, 1994.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-seventh General Assembly of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable Clarence F. Schmarje, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

BARRY BRAUNS

JAMES HAHN

RICHARD MYERS

Committee