Clara Wendel, 89, South Heart, passed away Thursday, October 18, 2018 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Clara’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 25, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart with Fr. Shane Campbell as celebrant. Interment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 pm. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Clara Heidt was born February 16, 1929, daughter of George and Emma (Wandler) Heidt. She was raised and educated in South Heart where she completed the eighth grade.
Clara married William Wendel on February 22, 1949. They were married for 59 years and had five daughters. Besides being a housewife and mother, Clara worked outside the home. Her most memorable jobs were associated with South Heart School. In 1969, she was hired as a dishwasher and later as a kitchen helper in the hot lunch program. She held these positions for over 35 years. From 1980 to 2002 she traded in her rubber gloves and apron for a vacuum and mop while she worked as a part time custodian.
Away from work, Clara was active in the community. She was a member of St. Mary’s Altar Society, St. Mary’s Church and the church choir for approximately 65 years. She was a life long resident of South Heart until moving into St. Benedict’s Health Center in 2016.
She was the “unofficial” historian for the school and community by compiling pictures and stories relating to them. She also enjoyed reading, collecting Jim Thompson stories and working on the geneology of her family.
Clara is survived by her five children, Kathy Wendel, South Heart, Barbara (Allen) Tarbox, Aberdeen, S.D., Jackie (Brent) Daniels, Oroville, Wash., Pam (Russell) Hoffman, South Heart, and Ann (Chad) Abel, Lemmon, S.D.; four grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul (Betty) Heidt, and Jenny Vida; sisters-in-law, Margaret Heidt and Margaret Wiglenda. Clara was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; four brothers; and two sisters.
