Clarence James "Dutch" Kellerman

Clarence was better known as CJ or Dutch, as well as Loving Husband, Dad, Granddad, Great-Granddad, and Uncle Dutch.

Of his many accomplishments, rearing a loving family who are strong in their faith was his greatest. CJ is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Bernadette; his daughter and son-in-law, Delores (Dot) and Steve Ammons of Leander, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Nyle Maxwell of Austin, TX; son and daughter-in-law, David and Melanie Kellerman of Georgetown, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (Cindy) and Russell Waters of Georgetown, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Matt Browning of Keller, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Terence Quinn of Austin, TX; along with 19 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces throughout the world.

CJ was born on April 5, 1934 in Oil City, PA to John and Elsie Kellerman. CJ attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School where he was on the varsity football team and was the life of the party. He worked as a pin-boy at the local bowling alley. After graduation, CJ was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany where he was active in the on-going rebuilding effort after WWII. With an honorable discharge, he went home to say hello/ good-bye to his parents, as he traveled to Dallas, TX for a job opportunity. It was at a church social that CJ met Bernadette. A few months later, on New Year’s Eve, he asked her to marry him, right there on the dance floor. Being a Yankee, meeting Bernadette’s Czechoslovakian parents in New Corn Hill, TX was quite an experience. CJ learned to love Lone Star beer instead of Rolling Rock beer, and Texas barbeque instead of pot roast. Using the GI bill, CJ went to the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em) where he graduated with a Bachelor in Science Mechanical Engineering degree. During his education, they lived in the Deep Eddy apartments, where they started their family, and would travel to New Corn Hill every weekend to load their car with farm raised produce and meats from Bernadette’s parents’ farm.

CJ was offered a job with IBM Corporation in San Jose, CA. If you knew anyone who worked for IBM, IBM stood for “I’ve Been Moved”. CJ and Bernadette, with children in tow, moved to San Jose, CA; Rochester, MN; Boblingen, West Germany; back to Rochester; down to Austin, TX; almost to Boca Raton, FL; then to Tokyo, Japan where CJ retired from IBM after 26 years. Not quite ready to retire, CJ accepted a job with MEAD Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. Then after his final corporate retirement, they moved to Round Rock, TX.

Both CJ and Bernadette, who are devout Roman Catholics, sacrificed so their children could attend Catholic schools. Their faith lead CJ to his final calling; to raise awareness of the need of Catholic schools in the Austin area. CJ worked tirelessly with Archbishop Gregory Aymond, Bishop Joe Vasquez, Bishop Daniel Garcia, Dr. Ned Vanders – Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Austin; as well as countless others to bring Holy Family Catholic School, and St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School into existence. CJ was involved in the expansion efforts of San Juan Diego Catholic High School. CJ was also instrumental in the construction of St. William Catholic Church’s current sanctuary in Round Rock. CJ’s and Bernadette’s unselfish contribution of their time, treasure and talent were the catalyst in these endeavors.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers given for CJ and the family. We all know he is in Heaven. To Beck, Emma, and the on-call staff at Hospice Austin, thank you for your compassionate care of CJ. To Elizabeth and Cystral at Brightstar Care, thank you for bringing peace of mind to our family.

CJ requested that we gather in celebration of his life, to have a party and to drink a beer in his name.

The Rosary will be recited at 5 PM and the visitation will be held from 5:30 – 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX. Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of CJ’s life will be held on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 10 AM at St. William Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock West Drive, Round Rock, TX. CJ’s final resting place will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Cemetery in New Corn Hill, Texas.

In lieu of flowers it was CJ’s request that donations be made to: Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin, 6225 Hwy 290 E, Austin, TX 78723: c/o Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools Endowment – C.J. “Dutch” Kellerman Memorial. Or make donations online at www.austindiocese.org and click on the red donate button.