Michael Vernon Clarkson

Michael Vernon Clarkson, age 59, of Preston, Iowa, died on Friday, August 29, 2008, at the Veterans Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Preston with Reverend Gregory Geier officiating. Burial will follow in the Preston Cemetery, Preston. A visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2008 at the Miller-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Preston. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Michael’s memory.

Michael was born on December 4, 1948, the son of Vernon and Mildred (Janssen) Clarkson. He graduated from Preston High School with the Class of 1967. Michael married Barbara Taplin in June of 1968. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1969-1973 as a Radio Operator. Michael attended Clinton Community College and graduated in 1977 from the University of Northern Iowa with his Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and Business.

Michael taught school for one year in Clarksville, Iowa and then worked a short time at A.D.M. in Clinton, Iowa. He was a member of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Preston American Legion, Post # 602. Michael was an avid sports fan; he loved umpiring at Geno’s and golfing. He also enjoyed karaoke and gardening. Michael will be dearly missed by two daughters, Michelle Clarkson of Goose Lake, Iowa and Anne (Stephen) Lawson of Laguna Hills, California; five grandchildren, Brianna, Madison, Matthew, Blake, and Mackenzie; his mother, Mildred Clarkson-Freyer and step-father, Herbert Freyer of Preston; a sister, Ellen (Philip) Catarella of Slidell, Louisiana; a brother, Patrick (Debbie) Clarkson of Buchanan, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Vernon in 2004.