Clara Kuechle, of Jordan, passed away on October 27, 2016 at the age of 92. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, October 31, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta will preside, and Clara will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
On May 12, 1924 Peter and Catherine (Pieper) Stemig celebrated the birth of their daughter, Clara Catherine Stemig. She was the second of five children and loved growing up on the family farm in St. Joseph. Clara attended grade school in St. Joseph and graduated from Jordan High School.
After high school, Clara began working as a meter reader for NSP. During this time, she exchanged letters with a schoolmate who was serving overseas, Walter Kuechle. Clara knew he was the man for her. When Walter returned to the states, they exchanged wedding vows on November 5, 1947. Walter and Clara settled in Jordan to raise their family. They were blessed with five wonderful children, Sandy, Frank, Jan, Paul, and Phil.
As a family, they enjoyed weekend trips up to the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes. They’d fish, boat and camp out. Clara especially liked fishing, and she always sang her fish song for the kids, “Fishy, fishy in the lake, won’t you bite upon my bait…”
When the kids were growing up, Clara had to manage a house filled with five kids and an assortment of pets like pigeons, raccoons, guinea pigs and the usual cats and dogs. She also worked outside the home at Wagner’s Supper Club, and later Clara became the head cook at Jordan Elementary School. She worked there for more than 15 years. In retirement, she continued to work with students as a paraprofessional at the school.
In her free time, Clara enjoyed quilting, crocheting and playing cards. She was an excellent cook and baker and always had apple crisp ready for anyone who stopped by. She was an active member of St. John’s. Clara was a very religious woman and felt very connected to the Blessed Mother. Although Clara had many hobbies, the most important thing in her life was her family. She was a wonderful wife, loving mother and the best grandma and step-grandma.
Clara especially loved spending time with her husband. When it was just the two of them, Walter and Clara loved taking road trips. They went on many memorable trips to the Cranberry Boggs in Wisconsin. Whether it was a trip visiting family in California, camping out at the state fair, or just a weekend getaway with friends, Walter and Clara always had a wonderful time. They were truly soulmates and loved holding hands.
About four years ago, Walter and Clara moved to Oak Terrace. It quickly became home, and they made many wonderful friends. Walter passed away in January of 2015. Clara missed him deeply, and after nearly two years apart, she was ready to be reunited with her love. Clara spent the last days of her life surrounded by her family that she loved so much.
Clara was a strong woman. She was always patient and gentle with her family. Clara let everyone know they were loved by holding their hand and giving it a little squeeze. She will be remembered by her children, Sandy (James) Jeurissen, Frank (JoAnn) Kuechle, Jan (Gary) Stephens, Paul (Nancy) Kuechle, Phil (Michele) Kuechle; granddaughters, Amy (Eric) Jones, Jess Prochaska, Lindsey Prochaska, Lisa (Chris) Ed, and Lynn Kuechle; great-grandchildren, Emmalyn and Alex; a large extended family; siblings, Elly (Pat) Stemig and Lucille Hogan; sisters-in-law, Viola Stemig and Kathy Stemig.
There to greet Clara in Heaven is her husband, Walter Kuechle; parents, Peter and Catherine Stemig; brothers, Florenz Stemig and Ralph Stemig; brother-in-law, Mal Hogan.
