Clarice Marie Buman

Clarice Lapke Buman was born on August 28, 1932, on a farm in Gallons Grove Township, Shelby County, near Dunlap, Iowa, to Lois and Zeno Lapke. The second oldest of ten children, she grew up during the Great Depression on a farm without electricity or indoor plumbing. As a child, she cared for her younger siblings, milked cows, tended chickens, and helped harvest corn. She first attended a small country school one mile from home before completing her education in Dunlap.

Clarice entered the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Council Bluffs in 1950. She graduated in 1953 and often said those were among the happiest years of her life. In 1952, she met Donald Buman; they became engaged and were married on August 31, 1954. After a memorable honeymoon in Bermuda, they returned to the Buman family farm to begin their life together.

Clarice and Don led a busy life raising five children on the farm. They worked as a team, with Mom keeping the household running and Dad working the farm. Clarice was a wonderful cook and baker. During the busy planting and harvest seasons, the men in the field could always count on her for hearty meals, field lunches, and—of course—fresh baked goods.

Clarice was active in the Harlan community for many years. Her daughters belonged to the Lincoln Bluebirds 4-H Club, and she helped them with their cooking, sewing, and home-decorating projects for the Shelby County Fair. She also served as a Lincoln Bluebirds Leader for several years.

Clarice served for 16 years on the Myrtue Memorial Hospital Board, including one term as President. During her service, the Board oversaw the development of outpatient clinic programs and helped establish the Hospital Foundation. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and participated in fundraising activities.

Clarice was an active member of P.E.O., beginning in 1987 and also volunteered to install Lifeline Units throughout the county. She served on St. Michael’s Church Board and was involved in the church community as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Parish Circles. A lifelong avid reader, she belonged to the Harlan Review Club, a women’s book club. She and Don also enjoyed playing bridge with several groups and they had a wide circle of close friends.

Clarice loved working with her hands. A skilled seamstress, she made many of her children’s clothes when they were growing up. She later learned to quilt and gave family members many beautiful quilts. Clarice also painted porcelain dolls, dressing them in fancy outfits she designed and sewed herself.

Clarice especially loved babies. One of her happiest places was rocking and cuddling a newborn grandchild or great-grandchild. In her 80s and 90s, she became comfortable using her cell phone for texting, as well as FaceTime, WhatsApp, Facebook, Netflix, and her iPad. Learning this technology helped her stay connected with family and enjoy the many photos they shared of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In retirement, she and Don spent winters in Florida and Arizona, and both learned golf later in life. Clarice was very dear to her large family and groups of friends and well respected in her community.

Clarice lived a long and busy life. We will miss her and are so glad that she is now peaceful. Time to rest.

Clarice is preceded in death by her husband Donald W. Buman and her parents, Zeno and Lois (Chambers) Lapke; siblings Leone Merriweather, Karole Anastasi, and Kenny Lapke. Clarice is survived by her five children: Jane (Jim) Van De Velde of Villa Park, IL, Kathy (Mark) Kleinschmidt of St. Paul, MN, David (Nancy) Buman of Council Bluffs, IA, Brenda Buman of Harlan, IA, and Mark (Lisa) Buman of Harlan, IA; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shelby County Health Foundation which contributes to the Myrtue Medical Center by supporting improvement projects, equipment, and programs that benefit patients and the community. Click Here to Donate