Phil Clevenger

Dr. Phil Clevenger, 76, of Newton, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024, his residence in Newton after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Philip Lloyd Clevenger was born to Lloyd and Jane Clevenger on February 18, 1948, in Newton, Iowa. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1966 and the University of Iowa in 1970 with a degree in Finance. He was a Federal Bank Examiner before he changed career paths. He spent several years working part-time jobs while attending Eastern Michigan University to fulfill science requirements and then was accepted to medical school at C.O.M.S. (Des Moines University). He graduated from medical school in 1981 and did a 2-year Family Practice Residency at Des Moines General Hospital. He spent the majority of his 32 years of practicing medicine in Jasper County. Upon retirement, he spent his time volunteering at free medical clinics in the Des Moines area. He was the Jasper County Medical Examiner for 13 years.

Phil had four children with Susan Karr: Mia (Bill) Hoeft of Coralville, Greg (Teresa) Clevenger of Solon, Drew (Gretchen) Clevenger of St. Ansgar, and Jason (Alicia) Clevenger of Johnston. Phil later married his best friend, Caren DeVoe and became stepdad to Cassie (Travis) Cook of Colfax and Justin (Sierra) DeVoe of Prairie City. Phil and Caren spent the last 25 years of his life together in Newton.

Dr. Clevenger’s life was a testament to compassion, dedication, and service to his community. While practicing medicine, Phil left an indelible mark on the lives of countless patients.  Known affectionately as “Doc” to many, his impact extended far beyond the confines of his office. In the last 20 years of his life, Phil and Caren helped many people achieve the dream of home ownership.

Whether it was treating a common cold or providing comfort in times of crisis, he approached every patient with empathy and unwavering care. His commitment to healing went beyond the clinic walls; he was a familiar face on the sidelines of high school football games in Monroe and St. Ansgar, offering his expertise and support to the teams he cherished.

Phil enjoyed traveling with his wife, Caren. The adventures on which they embarked ranged from helping serve in healthcare in El Salvador and most recently to the pyramids of Egypt. He was always eager to share pictures and stories of their travels. In addition to traveling, Phil was an avid golfer who greatly enjoyed spending time on the course with his children and his brother-in-law, Dean. What Phil enjoyed most of all though, was family. Nothing lit up his eyes more than spending time with his family. He made a conscious effort to see his 21 grandchildren participate in activities and traveled all over the state to support them up until his death. All who knew him will miss him tremendously.

Even as he was battling cancer, he always found something to enjoy each day. He fought with dignity and grace, inspiring all who knew him with his resilience. While the family deeply mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing he is now at peace, free from pain and sickness, and surrounded by the eternal love and grace of God.

He is survived by his wife, Caren; children and step-children, Mia and husband Bill Hoeft and their children, Morgan, Rachel, and Will; Greg and his wife Teresa Clevenger and their children, Jarod, Katy, Jackson, Walker, and Carter; Drew and his wife, Gretchen Clevenger and their children, Hannah, Joe, Matt, and Lauren; Jason and his wife Alicia Clevenger, and their children, Henry, Mira, and Maggie; Cassie and her husband Travis Cook and their children, Emma and Emily; and Justin and his wife, Sierra DeVoe and their children, Quinton, Braxton, Kinley, and Jayda; his sister, Barbara DeHaai and her husband Dean; brother-in-law, Bill Robson and his wife RuthAnn; brother-in-law, Joe Robson and his wife Joy; one sister-in-law, Jan Keenan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Jane Clevenger; sister, JoAnn Justmann and her husband Herb; parents-in-law, Wilber and Coleen Robson; brother-in-law, Ray Smothers; and nephew, Wesley Robson.

The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. Following the service, there will be a reception at 1611 1st Ave. W., in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation which can be directed to the Wallace Family Funeral and Home and Crematory and will be dispersed to local charities according to Phil’s wishes.