Clement Vincent Quella

Male 1906 - 1993  (87 years)


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  • Name Clement Vincent Quella 
    Born 25 Aug 1906  Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 07 Sep 1993 
    Buried Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I30638  Little Chute Genealogy
    Last Modified 11 Mar 2016 

    Father John Joseph Quella,   b. 05 Nov 1874,   d. 09 Jun 1947, Cook County, Illinois Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 72 years) 
    Mother Ida Szommer,   b. 11 Aug 1881, Hungary Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Apr 1983, Oxnard, Ventura Co, California Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 101 years) 
    Married 11 Oct 1901  Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F43842  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Gladys Barbara Edinger,   b. 13 Jan 1909, Kimmswich, Missouri Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 26 Jun 1993  (Age 84 years) 
    Married 23 Jun 1928 
    Children 
     1. Gloria Ann Quella
     2. Clement V Quella,   b. 01 Dec 1931, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 05 Oct 2003, Lake Forest, California Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 71 years)
     3. Barbara Helen Quella
     4. Thomas C Quella,   b. 14 Apr 1941, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 02 Nov 1990  (Age 49 years)
     5. Mary Grace Quella
     6. Judith Rose Quella
    Last Modified 21 Jul 2022 
    Family ID F10260  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Clement V. Quella, Sr.

      1625 Riverdale Drive, Appleton

      Clement V. Quella, Sr. died September 7, 1993 at the age of 87. Born in Milwaukee on August 25, 1906, to the late John J. Quella and Ida Quella Moore, he moved to Appleton with his family as a child and lived most of his life here. Clem was well known in the Appleton area as the proprietor of a sign business, Signs of Quella, for over 50 years.

      Clem attended St. Joseph School, St. Norbert High School, and graduated from Birnamwood High School at the age of 16. As a youth, he created exceptional drawings including political and comic cartoons. After graduation, he moved to St. Louis and apprenticed as a sign painter. On June 23, 1928, Clem married Gladys Edinger, and in 1932, after their oldest son, Clem, Jr., was born, moved to Appleton where they established his business. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage until Glady's death on July 26, 1992.

      Clem's sign shop, located at the southwest corner of Lawrence and Locust streets, bustled with activity. He and his employees lettered trucks, doors, billboards, and all kinds of signs for local businesses. His slogan, "Signs- Indoors, Outdoor, and On Doors" was one example of his creativity. He was a pioneer in the use of gold leaf lettering. His artistic designs and skillful lettering were recognized in the Fox Valley business community and won several awards. Long after he closed his business, Clem continued painting signs in his home workshop for parish functions and friends until his health weakened.

      Clem combined his cartooning skills with his interest in sports. For a time, the Post-Crescent published his "Klem Kwella" cartoons of local sport figures. An avid bowler, Clem enjoyed bowling in various leagues and his business sponsored teams. Clem also was an ardent fan and supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and in the day, the Appleton Papermakers. Visitors to his sign shop always found Clem willing to debate the merits of his favorite sport figures.

      Clem loved words, reading and current events. He could read, watch TV and listen to the radio at the same time, and, to the amazement of his grandchildren, comprehended all three. He enjoyed trips to the family cottage at Loon Lake and around the world to visit family and friends. Clem was a staunch Republican and was member of the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus Council 607, Elks Lodge 337 and United Commercial Travelers.

      Clem was the loving father of six children: Clement V. and Shirley Quella Jr., Lake Forest, California; Gloria Q. and Clifford Siebers, Appleton; Barbara Q. and Ernest Rufell, Manitowoc; Mary Q. and Michael Kelly, San Antonio; the late Thomas (Luane) Quella, Appleton; Judith Q. and John Randall, Wauwatosa.

      He was the proud grandfather of 24: Clement V. Quella, III (Mary), Cynthia Parker, and Gavin Quella, Costa Mesa, California; Theresa Bretanus and Steven Quella (Valerie), Lake Forest, California; Eric Quella, Dana Point, California. John Siebers (Tina), Anne Schmidt (William), Carol Schubert (John) and Emily Siebers, Appleton; James Siebers (Sandra), Richfield; Lora Reinholz (Paul), Mequon; Jeffrey Siebers (Elizabeth), Grand Terrace, California. Lynn Geigel (Joseph), Grafton; Joy Dueno (Daniel), Manitowoc; Donald Settergren, Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Peter Kelly, New York; Neil Kelly, Houston. Alicia and Kathryn Quella and their mother, Susan Quella, Rochester, Minnesota. Michelle and Christopher Quella, Appleton. Brian and Stephen Randall Wauwatosa. Clem was the cherished great-grandfather of 26.

      He is survived by his aunt, Cornel Quella, Appleton and his brother-in-law, Raymond Edinger, St. Louis. In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and many long time friends.

      Clem was preceded in death by Gladys, his wife of 64 years; his son, Thomas Quella; his great-granddaughter, Brandyn Bretanus; his brother, Daniel Quella; his sister, Edith Peterson; his brothers-in-law, Vernon and Herbert Edinger; and sisters-in-law, Betty, Lavina, Vernell and Ida Edinger.

      The Mass of Ressurection will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 11th at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1617 W. Pine Street with Father Orville Janssen officiating. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday AT THE CHURCH from 10 A.M. until the Mass begins at 11 a.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to St. Bernard Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 607, or to the charity of their choice. We love and miss you Clem- Dad, Grandpa Q., Great Grandpa Q., Uncle Clem