Clara Wendt

Clara Wendt, 83, died November 11, 2003 in a local care center. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, Bismarck, with the Rev. Jake Kincaid officiating. An Eastern Star service, open to the public, will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday at Eastgate Funeral Service. In accordance with her wishes, Clara's body has been gifted to the University of North Dakota Medical School. Clara was born January 18, 1920, to Inger Anderson and Ole Rud in New Salem, ND. She was educated in New Salem and graduated from New Salem High School. On June 9, 1942, Clara married her high school sweetheart, Donald C. Wendt in Dennison, Texas where he was stationed in the Army. The couple returned to New Salem and then moved to Bismarck where Don was employed as an underwriter for Provident Life Insurance Company. They lived in Bismarck the rest of their lives with Don passing away in 1989. Clara continued to live in the family home and be active in her church and community until 2 months before her death. Clara's love of people led to her involvement in many organizations. She had been a clerk for the North Dakota Legislature and was Past Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a charter member and past president of Chapter AP, PEO, and was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, having served as a deacon and as a member of Circle 2. After Don's death, Clara took an active role in the Lifeline support group. Clara loved music, loved to read, and valued her time with friends and family. Her coffee group and dinners at the Senior Citizens Center were part of her weekly schedule. She was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, and will be greatly missed. Clara is survived by her son Bruce Mary and her granddaughter, Laura. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mildred Dettmann of Elgin, ND; two nieces, Sharon Liddell of Richland, WA and Sandy Gaines; and nephews, Morris Mack of Yakima, WA, Sheldon Rud of Center, ND and Wayne Dettmann of Mesa, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, her sister Pearl Hartmann, her brother, Henry Rud, and her nephew, Curtis Rud.

Clara Wendt

January 18, 1920 - November 11, 2003