Rev. Christopher Clemmer

BUFFALO GROVE—Rev. Christopher Clemmer, 64, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, Jan. 24, 2018 at Addolorata Villa in Wheeling, Illinois as a result of complications from breast cancer.
Born April 14, 1953 in Austria, Christopher Landon was the son of Robert Rugh and Eleanore Vivian (Landon) Clemmer. He was raised and educated primarily in central Pennsylvania, and spent one year as a youth with his parents in Denmark. During his formative years, Chris learned archery, worked as a camp counselor in high school and wrestled, earning state championship two years. He graduated from Lock Haven High School with the Class of 1971.
Chris went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Wooster College and a double Master’s degree; one in Social Administration from Case Western University in Cleveland and one in Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Chris later attained his Doctorate of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary.
Chris pastored for three congregations in central Pennsylvania before settling in Chicago. It was in 1986 that Chris took a position with National Louis University, where he continued to remain on faculty to date. He chaired the Human Services and Counseling Departments, as well as held many leadership roles with National Louis over the years. Chris also continued to informally pastor and counsel, which included performing weddings and providing pulpit supply, most recently at First Presbyterian Church of Morris.
On Aug. 5, 1989, Chris married Catherine Schwaba in St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church in Vernon Hills, and together they made their home in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. Here they also welcomed home their daughter Eleanore, and in July of 2001 the family relocated to Buffalo Grove.
Chris was a member of the Volvo 1800 Club and was proud of his 1972 Volvo 1800ES, “Buttercup”. He also raised Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, which he was proud to have ribboned for both hunting and field trials. Chris felt at peace in the outdoors and took pleasure in hunting. In addition he was an avid fly fisherman who enjoyed fishing with his family and spent many memorable vacations at the Salmon Camp in Michigan.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Cathy and daughter Eleanore, both of Buffalo Grove; his aunt and uncle, Cathy and Henry Heijermans of Lancaster, PA; father-in-law, Leroy L. Schwaba of Lake Forest, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Leroy L., Jr. (J.C.) Schwaba of Colorado, Jim (Sharon) Schwaba and Ann (David) Dingman, both of Grayslake, IL, Virginia (Rich) Prybell of St. Charles, IL and Mary Schwaba of Lake Forest, IL; numerous nieces and nephews, and four cousins: Carol Ann Dana of Ashland, OH, David (Janice) Roberts of Zieglersville, PA, Mary Roberts Jones of Royersford, PA and Kass (John) Bolles of Gilbertsville, PA.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Eleanore Clemmer, and his  mother-in-law, Jeanne Schwaba.
Per Chris’ wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
The family will receive friends at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Jackson Street in Morris, Illinois for a memorial visitation on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 from 9 a.m. until time of Memorial and Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Reverend Dr. Roy Backus will officiate.
A private family inurnment will be in Montrose Cemetery in Chicago at a later date.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Chris’ memory to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.BCRF.org) 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Chris’ memorial page through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/notices/RevChristopher-Clemmer
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes. Ltd. in Morris.