Service Information
Clara Louise Witthus, age 93, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at her home in Glencoe.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 15, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, with interment in the church cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., at the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel in Glencoe, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Obituary
Clara Louise (Hanson) Witthus was born on July 4, 1931, in Glencoe, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Christoph and Marie (Thiesfeld) Hanson. Clara was baptized as an infant on July 26, 1931, by Rev. E. Kolbe and later confirmed in her faith as a youth by Rev. Alfred Streufert both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. Clara grew up in Koniska, Minnesota. Clara received her education in Glencoe and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1949.
On August 7, 1949, Clara was united in marriage to Elroy Witthus by Rev. Alfred Streufert at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. Clara and Elroy made their home in Glencoe. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Michael, Steven, and Sandra. Clara and Elroy shared over 52 years of marriage before Elroy passed away on February 13, 2002.
Clara was born on the 4th of July which was fitting seeing as she was a real “firecracker” and go-getter. She was a hard worker; she worked full-time until she was 72, and part-time until she was 84. Clara was first employed at Ben Franklin in Glencoe when she was younger. After she married Elroy, she helped milk cows and run their dairy farm. Years later, she began working for Young America Corp. in Norwood Young America and worked there for 24 years. As she wasn’t ready to retire just yet, she began working at Green Giant (Seneca) in Glencoe. She worked there for over 8 years and retired in 2008.
Clara was a life-long active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe; and served with the Mary Martha Altar Guild for some of those years and the Ladies’ Aid. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Glencoe for a number of years. She enjoyed tending to her garden; and canning and preserving what she grew. Clara also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and baking and was well-known for her famous zucchini bread. Clara and Elroy enjoyed bowling in tournaments and turned their National Bowling Tournaments into fun-filled vacations. She loved to babysit and care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she was given the opportunity. Clara enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and time spent with them was the time she cherished most.
Clara passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at her home in Glencoe, at the age of 93 years, 4 months, and 6 days. Blessed be her memory.
Clara is survived by her
Children, Michael Witthus of Glencoe, MN,
Steven Witthus and his wife, Rhonda, of Glencoe, MN,
Sandra Meier of Hutchinson, MN;
10 Grandchildren;
14 Great-Grandchildren;
Sister, Doris Emich of Nicollet, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Elroy Witthus; Father and Mother, Christoph and Marie Hanson; Siblings, Lucille (Wilbert) Herzog, Clarence (Dorothy) Hanson, Aurelia (Fred) Werth, Mary (Virgil) Olson, Arnold (June) Hanson, Arlene Hanson; Brother-in-law, Ronald Emich.
Shelly Robben says
Rip aunty clara! Hope you found your shoes…love you always. Fly high…
Robin Klopp says
Deepest sympathy to the Witthus family! Your mom/grandmother, was a very sweet person!
Kristi Carlson says
Steven Sandy sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a sweet lady
Brad & Bonnie Hahn says
The Angel with always a smile and a HELLO!! Sympathies to her family. RIP sweet Clara!
Michael Conrin says
Sorry for your loss,Sandy
Sheila Stuedemann says
She was a great lady. She will be missed.
Sharon (Beneke) Rusley says
This lady always had a friendly smile for everyone. She was one neat lady. May the memories you made and shared help you through this most difficult time.
Diane Templin says
Witthus Family—Our condolences & sympathies to you all for the loss of a lovely – funny-wonderful lady & a wonderful Aunt!! May Clara Rest In Peace!! May God Bless You All & watch over you through this difficult time. God Bless & Peace be with you all!!
Joni and Kenny Dose says
Family of Clara Witthus,
Love and Sympathy to you all!! She had such a caring soul, RIP sweet Clara!
Joni and Kenny Dose
Karla Ardolf says
Steve, Sandy and Rhonda-
I am so sorry to hear of Clara’s passing! She was such a sweetie, so full of spunk, with a sparkle in her eye, and always a smile! We had much fun bowling together years ago! Hugs to you all…she will definitely be missed by all who knew her!
Barb Krueger says
Deepest sympathies to the Witthus family. I worked with your Mom at Young America Corp back in the 80’s. She was so kind always. Will miss her.
Sylvia Bunke says
My sympathy to the family of Clara Witthus. She was a very wonderful person and friend. She had a good sense of humor.
Sandra Olson says
Clara was a good friend! I remember many good times with her and Elroy. May she rest in peace.
Julie Hutchins says
My sympathies to the Witthus family. Clara was such a special person. So sweet, kind, and welcoming. You could always see how much love she had in her heart for her family. May the many happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Chuck and Kim Reed says
Chuck and I both worked with Clara at YAcorp. And yes she definitely was a firecracker!!! Such a sweet and wonderful lady. I know her family and friends will miss her terribly! We are so sad to hear this news. God bless your family!