Clarence Joseph Vahling (90) of Gila

Clarence Joseph Vahling, age 90, of Gila, Illinois, passed away at 6:15 PM Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, January 9, 2023, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois, with Fr. Frank Folino, OFM, celebrating mass. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Island Grove, Illinois, with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the church and 10:00-10:30 AM Monday, January 9, 2023, at the parish center. In loving memory of Clarence, memorials may be made to the Grove Community Center. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Clarence was born on December 6, 1932, in Effingham County, Illinois, the first-born child of Ralph and Eleanor (Zumbahlen) Vahling. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1951. Clarence served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Corporal. He served from February 3, 1953, until his honorable discharge on December 2, 1954. On October 6, 1956, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Burnell, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton. She preceded him death on March 20, 2021. Clarence was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer. He had worked at Dust and Son in Effingham, before moving back to Gila to farm with his brother. Clarence was one of the first in the area to start no-till farming and was always caring for the land that God allowed to farm. He was a member of the St Isidore Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church, Newton Council of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree member, Jasper County Farm Bureau, Jasper County Pork Producers, board member of the Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District, Jasper Post #20 American Legion and was a honorary member of the Newton FFA Chapter. Clarence enjoyed fishing, playing golf, traveling, and was always willing to lend a hand as a volunteer with many organizations such Meals on Wheels, St Joseph parish, Catholic Charities and prayed a perpetual hour weekly at St Anthony’s hospital chapel. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and never met a stranger. Clarence was known far and wide as the unofficial Mayor of Gila, and he proudly wore a cap that said Mayor of Gila.

Clarence is survived by: Children - David (Janet) Vahling of Newton, Illinois; Betty (Brad) Smith of Teutopolis, Illinois; Nancy (Dale) Ginder of Newton, Illinois; JoAnn (Kevin) Kocher of Sumner, Illinois; Karen (Don) Shaffer of Newton, Illinois; Sandra (Sam) Will of Gila, Illinois; Mary Beth (Chris) Whittom of Steeleville, Illinois; and Peggy (Stuart) Stephenson of Jacksonville, Illinois. 25 Grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren with one on the way and 1 great-great grandchild; Siblings – Harold (Jane) Vahling of Mattoon, Illinois; Leonard (Madonna) Vahling of Island Grove, Illinois; Donald (Barb) Vahling of Effingham, Illinois; Anna Mae Waldhoff of Teutopolis, Illinois; and Doris (Bill) Walk of Sigel, Illinois; Brothers-in-law - Don (Judy) Burnell of Latona, Illinois; and Paul (Pam) Burnell of Latona, Illinois; Sister-in-law - Catherine Cazel of Rockford, Illinois.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 64 years, grandson Jeremy Vahling, and brothers-in-law Richard J. Cazel and James Waldhoff.