Clara M.J. Strehlow

Clara Mae Jean Firgens Strehlow, 89, of Suring, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. Clara was born in Breed to Walter “Butch” and Clara (Peck) Firgens on Dec. 7, 1930. On Feb. 14, 1953, Clara married Marvin (Pete) Strehlow.

For the majority of her life, Clara was a stay-at-home mom. She was a good cook and an even better baker. Clara liked to be creative and frequently designed fancy cakes and beautiful cookies. For years, she kept a large garden and raised chickens and sheep. She worked part time at Annie Holl’s store and then for Christensen’s. Clara was a Sunday School teacher at the Suring Methodist Church and an instructor for the Hayes 4-H.

She is survived by five of her children, Rhonda Strehlow (Bob Guyette), Ellen Meverden (Jim), Vicki Fischer (Jerry), Marlin and Gail Thomas (Bob); three grandchildren, Valerie Brooks (Chris), Amanda Thomas and Marisa Thomas; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Brooks and Dylan Brooks; and a sister, Rose Marie Knigge.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Audrey; grandson, Matthew Meverden; and four siblings, Alan Firgens, Eugene Firgens, Helen McLeod, and Robert Firgens.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Suring United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Paul Nulton officiating. Clara will be interred in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Unity Hospice, Cystic Fibrosis, or a charity of your choice in Clara’s honor.

Category: