By Staff
Clara M. Felke, 96, loving wife and mother, died at 10:37 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Hickory Creek of Rochester, Ind.
Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, July 21, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Plymouth, Ind.
Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth, Ind.
She was born on Aug. 17, 1911 in South Bend, Ind. to John and Mary (Pendl) Wozniak. She grew up on a mint farm near Lake of the Woods, Ind.
She married Paul Felke on June 1, 1940, in Plymouth, Ind. Clara lost the love of her life when Paul passed away in September of 2000, after 60 years of marriage.
They have three children who survive. Their son, Jim, is a teacher at North Miami, while his wife Katie teaches and coaches at Rochester High School. Paulette Felke Couse is retired from the Warsaw School District and her husband Rick is retired from RR Donnelley and works at Brouwer's Furniture Store in Warsaw, Ind. Patricia Felke is retired from the Cassopolis School District, Cassopolis. Clara and Paul are also survived by seven grandchildren: Chris (Erin) Felke, Michele (Lance) Nelson, Nick and Natalie Couse, Kyle (Alisa) Felke, Courtney and Carey Felke, and five great-grandchildren: Parker, Chas, Macie, Isabelle, and Tristan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and an adopted brother, Stanley.
Clara and Paul moved to Rochester in 1946, upon purchasing the Rochester Greenhouse in partnership with Paul's brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Joan Felke, who survive. After 51 years in business, they retired in 1997.
Clara enjoyed working in the greenhouse and became acquainted with many Rochester residents as a result.
According to her husband, "Clara never knew a stranger." She also enjoyed baking and provided birthday cakes without fail for family, friends, and employees. Clara played the piano "by ear" and loved to dance.
She also enjoyed going to Las Vegas where the quarter slots got most of her attention.
Above all, Clara was loving, generous and willing to sacrifice anything for her family.
Clara and her husband were members of the Moose Lodge and she also belonged to the Rekamemoh Club, St Joseph's Catholic Church and Rosary Society, and the Canasta Club.
She lived her last two years at Hickory Creek where she received excellent care from her "new family." During her stay at Hickory Creek, Clara demonstrated a keen sense of humor which was quite entertaining. She will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Creek of Rochester.
Online condolences may be sent to zimmermanbros@rtcol.com
Arrangements were by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Ind.