Clara Moerke

Clara Marie Soland, daughter of Knute and Anna (Anderson) Soland, was born April 10, 1919 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm in Pomme de Terre Township in Northeast Grant County. She was baptized and confirmed at Hjerdahl Lutheran Church. On January 25, 1940, she was united in marriage to George Moerke in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. To this union four children were born. The couple farmed in various locations in Stevens and Grant Counties. In later years, Clara worked at the Donnelly Egg Plant and at Fingerhut in Morris. On January 10, 1977, Clara and George retired from farming and moved into Donnelly. George passed away on July 9, 1993. In February of 1994, Clara moved to West Central Homes in Morris, where she enjoyed her retirement. Because of deteriorating health, she moved to West Wind Village, where she has continued to live until the time of her death.

Clara was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid in Donnelly since 1945. She was also a member of the All Tops Homemakers Club for over 50 years and the Donnelly Senior Citizens. She enjoyed traveling, especially overseas, having visited Norway and other countries. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Clara died on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at West Wind Village in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 88 years.

She is survived by four children: William (Janice) Moerke of Evansville, Beverly (Lance) Daby of Commerce, MI, Donna (Tony) Schelonka of Carmel, IN and Gary (Sherry) Moerke of Forest Lake; nine grandchildren: Daniel (Carolyn) Moerke of Brookings, SD, Gregory Schelonka of Ruston, LA, Stephen (Marie) Schelonka of Indianapolis, IN, Jill (Eric) Magnuson of Carlos, Thomas Schelonka of Fishers, IN, Grant Moerke of Maple Grove, Christopher Westendorf of Washington, IA, Michael Westendorf of St. Louis Park and Thomas Westendorf of Anchorage, AK; seven great-grandchildren; one brother: Knute (Jerry) Soland of Elbow Lake and one sister: Ann Bue of Wickenburg, AZ. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and two brothers: Clarence and Albert Soland.

Pallbearers for the service are Clara's grandchildren: Daniel Moerke, Gregory Schelonka, Stephen Schelonka, Jill Magnuson, Thomas Schelonka and Grant Moerke. Honorary pallbearers are: Christopher Westendorf, Michael Westendorf and Thomas Westendorf. Karen Stahn will serve as organist for the service with Judy Hams serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.