Obituary of Clarence Lee Koerner

Clarence L. Koerner, age 72, of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, May 14, 2022 at home.

Born July 6, 1949 in Joliet, IL, to Lester and Arlene (nee Braham) Koerner, he was raised in Lockport and graduated from Lockport Township High School.  Clarence was proud member of Teamsters Local #179.

Clarence had a love for football, always cheering on his favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers.  His real passion, however, was NASCAR and the Indianapolis 500.   He and his brothers attended the Indy 500 together for over 40 years.  He also loved spending time with his dog, Maddii, and his granddog, Pearl.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Judith A. “Judy” (Fenili) Koerner; his children, Carlee (Nick) Vandal of Elwood, and Dan (Marlene) Zytniowski of Portland, OR; his brothers and sisters, Harold Koerner of Pinnacle, NC, Linda (the late William) Markgraf of Columbia, MO, Elaine Sommer of Joliet,  Louise (Roger) Fellers of Bourbonnais, Glen “Butch” Koerner of Shorewood, and Robert Dale (the late Cathy) Bradbury of Wilmington; his brothers and sisters-in law,  Tom and Cheryl Meyer of Joliet, Tina and John Barnacle of Oswego, and Joseph Jr. and Tricia Fenili of Plainfield; and  many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ashlee Koerner; his parents; a brother, Lester Koerner, Jr.; niece, Sarah Beachamp; and his wife’s parents, Joseph and Beverly Fenili, Sr.

Visitation for Clarence Koerner will be held Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, and will conclude with a closing prayer and eulogy at 8:00 p.m.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation and service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com