Chad Fredrick Backer, 50

Chad Fredrick Backer, 50, of Clarksville, Iowa, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025 at his home. Chad was born on December 30, 1974, at Waverly Hospital to Fredrick Duane Backer and Barbara Jean (Graeser) Chase.

Chad graduated from Clarksville High School early to pursue his passion for his country, by joining the United States Marine Corps. Chad bravely served from 1993 to 2000, where he was honorably discharged. Upon his return to his hometown, Chad earned his AA degree from Hawkeye Community College.

As a young man Chad developed his unwavering work ethic, milking cows for various farmers. He took pride in knowing that he had done the job himself with determination and precision. He was a skilled mechanic and technician. Within his years he had the opportunity to share his knowledge in many roles such as wrenching at C&S Car Co., selling MacTools, working for Conagra Brand as a maintenance technician, a project manager for Actalant at Nestle, and finally Dale Howard Service Center. Chad fully offered his time, energy, and support to others without hesitation.

Chad married his high school sweetheart; Janet Lynn (Vance) Backer on July 22, 1995, in Clarksville. Together, they raised three children, Allie Nicole Backer (Keagan Mehmen), Nick Allen Backer, and Addie Lynn Backer who were his greatest pride and joy. Along with his loyal companion, Gunny. 

Chad’s hobbies encompassed hunting, fishing, golfing, vacationing with his family, listening to music that held significance to those he cherished, and expertly repairing and creating with unmatched skill. Chad also served as vice president alongside his father at the Clarksville Sportsman’s Club, where he shot trap with his son and the rest of the Backer family, fostering cherished memories and traditions. He found joy in hosting gatherings, whether at home or while camping, and was at his happiest when giving to others and generously sharing what he had. A devoted father and family man, Chad took great pride in imparting values of loyalty, kindness, responsibility, and respect to his children. He held immense pride in being a Backer and instilled in his family the significance of honoring and preserving their legacy.

Chad is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Backer; his three children, Allie, Nick, and Addie Backer; his parents, Fred and Tammy Backer, Barb and Steve Chase, Frank and Barb Vance. His siblings, Jennifer (Tim) Chesnut, Tim Backer, Jamie (Steve) Durnan, Jody Clark, Brandi (Brandon) Kraft, Brittni (Dan) Lantz, Brooke (Lathan) Ehlers; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold and Ella Backer; maternal grandparents, LaVern and Edith Graeser; his cousin, Jeff Backer; and his brother in-law William Shawn Clark. 

Chad will be remembered for his love of family, generosity, and loyalty. He often spoke of his childhood memories riding 3-wheelers, climbing trees, and playing backyard football. Time on the Backer farm with cousins was especially precious to him, filled with laughter and unforgettable adventures. He was a proud Marine who often shared stories of his time in service, and he embodied the values of resilience and dedication. Chad will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May his legacy of love, loyalty, and generosity continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

A celebration of Chad’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Waverly, Iowa, with Pastor Dan Eloe officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly. A private family burial with military rites provided by the United States Marine Corp Honor Guard and Clarksville Amvets Post #30 will take place at Lyn-Wood Cemetery, in Clarksville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Chad’s family for later designation and online condolence may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.