Clarence Sherman Schwien was born June 2, 1928, in Boone, Iowa, to August and Carrie (Sherman) Schwien. He passed away at Comfort House in Pella, on May 24, 2017, surrounded by family.

He was a 1946 graduate of Boone High School. Clarence enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in WWII and the Korean War.

Clarence was united in marriage to Betty Nystrom on September 22, 1949, in Boone, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Sherry, Janeen, Richard and John.

Early in Clarence's career he was a carpenter and cabinet maker. For many years Clarence and Betty owned and operated the Travelodge Motel in Mason City, Iowa. They have a time-share in MazatlA