Fifth Generation

64. Clara F. BERENDES was born on 31 March 1912 in Norwalk, Monroe County, WI.⁷⁹ She died on 27 October 2007 at the age of 95 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁷⁹

Obituary Notes: "Clara F. (Berendes) Smith, 95, of Tomah and formerly of Wilton, died Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Tomah Memorial Hospital. She was born on March 31, 1912, to Fred and Margaret (Ebert) Berendes in Norwalk. She moved with her parents to a farm in the township of Wilton in 1926. She lived in Madison until she was united in marriage to Cecil Smith on December 9, 1961. They moved to Davenport, Iowa until Cecil’s retirement; upon his retirement they moved to Baraboo. After Cecil’s death, Clara moved to Tomah in 1991 to be closer to her brother Norbert. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomah, and a lifetime member of St. John’s The Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. Clara was loved very much and all her family will miss her. She had the unique ability to make each of her family members feel special.

She is survived by her brother Norbert “Nubs” Berendes of Tomah, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, her parents, 3 brothers Irven, Ralph, and Bernard, 2 sisters Leona McCann and Marie Houle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday Oct. 31, 2007, 11 a.m. at St. John’s The Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. The Rev. Richard C. Dickman will officiate. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery."

Clara F. BERENDES and Cecil SMITH were married on 9 December 1961.⁷⁹ Cecil SMITH was born (date unknown).