D & E spans three generations of the Clemens family
BY ALTA MAYHUGH ,SVS REPORTER
STERLING – Brad Clemens is proud to be part of the family legacy his grandfather, Doc Clemens, established 50 years ago with D & E Furniture.
D & E Furniture was opened in 1957 by Doc and his brother, Ed Clemens. The store has since moved once, undergone several renovations and been a big part of the lives of three generations of the Clemens family.
The history behind D & E Furniture goes back longer than five decades, though. Doc and Ed’s parents bought a general store in Worthington, Iowa, while their sons were serving as electricians during World War II. They sold everything, including furniture.
When the brothers came back from the war, they worked at the store and installed electricity for communities in rural areas of Iowa. Later, Doc Clemens got the itch to have a furniture store of his own.
On his way to meet with distributors in Peoria, he passed a building for rent at 1818 Locust St., where Wyanet’s Butcher Shop is now.
Doc made the call to rent it, then called Ed to see if he wanted to partner with him. The two remained partners until 1978, when Doc bought Ed out.
Sears, at 320 Locust St. downtown, announced in 1976 it was moving to Northland Mall. D & E moved to the historic 1877 building in November 1980.
Jack Clemens, Doc’s son, has worked there since the seventh grade, when he helped with deliveries. He and his sister, Carla Will, bought the store in 1994; Jack bought out his sister in 2003.
“It’s pretty much the only job I’ve ever known. It kind of gets in your blood,” he said.
One of the keys to the company’s years of success is, D & E has never sold furniture at retail price, he said.
“This is a discount furniture store, meaning we offer good values on our furniture.”
He wants to keep the business a success, so the third generation can take over. Jack’s son, Brad Clemens, 25, now is in charge of the delivery trucks and warehouse.
Both men say they’d like to see D & E Furniture stay in the family, and in the area, for many more years to come.
