Obituary of Clara Klaren

Survivors include two sons: William (Andrea) Klaren of Worthington, IA, David Klaren of Sunnycrest Manor; two daughters: Judith (David) Link and Joan (Gary) Miller both of Dubuque, IA; 14 grandchildren; 11great-grandchildren; two brothers: Louis (Ruth) Hayes of Holy Cross, IA, Clem Hayes of Dubuque, IA; one sister, Viola (Olie) Avery of Dubuque, IA; one sister-in-law, Joan Hayes of St. Catherines. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rennie, in 1987, four sisters: Genevieve M. Duster, Delia M. Duster, Evalena Schultz, Frances Clemen; and one brother, Virgil Hayes. Clara was born on February 23, 1920 in Holy Cross, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Catherine (Ellerbach) Hayes. She married Irenaeus J. Klaren on February 4, 1942 in the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross, Iowa. Clara was a homemaker and she and her husband, Rennie, farmed their early years together in the Worthington community until moving to Holy Cross in 1946 residing there until moving to Luther Manor in 1999. She was an excellent seamstress and had a green thumb when it came to gardening or flowers. She was known to all as a "Pillar of Strength" and has always been admired for her great patience. God and her family have always come first in Clara's life. She will be deeply missed by all. Clara was a member of the Holy Cross Rosary Society and Holy Cross Senior Citizens Group. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Rev. Greg Bjornstad and Brother Stephen Markham for their spiritual guidance and Hospice for their compassion. A very special "thank-you" to the staff at Luther Manor for their generous love and care given to our mother while she was a resident. So many of the Luther Manor employees have touched the hearts of our family with unforgettable memories.