Clara Florence Melchior, 86, longtime Richardton resident, died Friday, August 3, 2012 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Clara’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, with Fr. Boniface, Muggli, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday with a rosary & prayer service at 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, on Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday at the church with a rosary & vigil at 8 p.m. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church.

Clara was born on January 15, 1926, in Richardton, to John J. and Florence (Fleck) Hoff. She was raised on a farm south of Richardton, attended elementary school in rural Richardton and St. Mary’s High School.

Clara married Frank Melchior on November 22, 1943 in Richardton. They made their home on a farm south of Richardton where they raised their seven children. They moved from the farm to their home in Richardton in 1988. Clara worked for a short time at the Richardton Hospital while living in Richardton.

Clara was a longtime member of the Christian Mothers and American Legion Auxiliary, serving as president a number of times. She was also active for many years in a local Homemakers Club and served as 4-H leader when her children were involved.

Clara especially enjoyed when her grandchildren would visit. There was always a house full of laughter and food as her family filled her home at holidays and special occasions.

Clara’s loving family includes her husband of 69 years, Frank; her children: Jane Pringle of Rapid City, S.D., Jim (Vickie) of Bismarck, Wally (Sue) of Rapid City, S.D., Melvin (Kit) of Denver, Colo., Brenda (Blake) Krabseth of Minot, Frank (Jane) of Almont, Nancy (Tom) Grosulak of Fairfield; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Clara is also survived by one brother: John (Irene) Hoff, Dickinson; three sisters: Gladys Melchior, Bismarck, Mary (Joe) Hammerschmidt, and Geri (Harvey) Baer, all of Richardton; sister-in-law Leona Hoff, Richardton; and several nieces and nephews.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Jake and Leonard (Rocky); sisters: Agnes Dallas, Lorine Hoff, and Rose Steiner; and one granddaughter Mikayla Rose Grosulak.

Memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Assumption Abbey in Richardton.