Claire (Jonsey) Watson, 86, of Reinbeck, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at his home in Reinbeck while under the care of Unity Point Hospice. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Thursday, June 26, 2014, at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hudson, Iowa, with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. Burial will be 9:30 A.M. Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Reinbeck Cemetery in Reinbeck. Visitation will be 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at French Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Jonsey was born April 15, 1928, in Reinbeck, Iowa, son of Elwood (Swat) and Ella (Willer) Watson. He graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1946 then served with the U.S. Marine Corps from April 13, 1946 to February 13, 1953 achieving the rank of Sergeant.
On June 25, 1954 Jonsey was united in marriage to Martha Brandhorst at Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson, Iowa. Jonsey was a self-employed painter for 50 years.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Action Post #242 and Reinbeck Fire Dept. for 26 years. Jonsey enjoyed, golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, making wine and just going to the shop to visit with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Martha; children, Sue Gibson (Don) of Waterloo, and Dayne Watson (Joan) of Reinbeck. He was preceded in death by his parents four brothers, Hans, Ross, Mike and Ray; two sisters, Shirley Fulkerson and Edyth Christensen.