Clara Schwantes

Clara E. Schwantes, age 83, of Wausau, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Colonial Center in Colby surrounded by her loving family.

A visitation was held from 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment followed at the West Spencer Cemetery. The honor of pallbearer belonged to Brad Leader, Stephan Klopotowski, Lukas Decker, Garrison Kirker, Nathanial Schwantes, Robert Tillou, Darren Smazal and Brett-Aaron Keen.

Clara was born on October 15, 1940, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Ress) Smazal in Fenwood. She grew up on a farm in rural Abbotsford and was one of 18 children. Clara was united in marriage to Larry Schwantes on December 5, 1961. He preceded her in death in January of 1999. She worked at Kolbe and Kolbe for 25 years, retiring in 2013.

Clara enjoyed crocheting, gardening, baking and cooking. She made the best chocolate chip cookies, enjoyed her coffee, strawberry milkshakes and chicken tenders. Clara had a huge collection of churb angels. She will be best remembered for hosting the best family Christmas parties. Clara was especially fond of her cats, Bandit and Noodle. Most importantly, Clara loved and cherished her family.

Clara is survived by her four children: Virgil Smazal of Wausau, Darrell (Barb) Smazal of Wausau, Wendy (Brian) Socha of Colby and Vicki (James) Weber of Wausau; eleven grandchildren: Jessica Pike, Darren (Christine) Smazal, Robert Tillou, Ashley (Bradley) Leader, Amanda Oleson (Austin Schneider), Sarah (Stephan) Klopotowski, Samantha (Brett Aaron) Keen, Jennifer (Lukas) Decker, Elizabeth Weber, Nathanial Schwantes and Courtney (fiancé, Garrison Kirker) Socha; 16 great-grandchildren: Mary, Jared, Jaxon, Lydia, Temperance, Emmitt, Brian, John, Arlo, Gavin, Jameson, Adalyn, Myles, Charles, Skylar and Tate and baby Clara expected in June and one great-great-grandson, Layton. She is further survived by her siblings: Kenneth (Judy) Smazal of Abbotsford, Beverly Galowski of Medford, Jeanette Smazal of Wausau and Marlene Galowski of Omro; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Clara; her husband of 35 years, Larry; twin infant boys, Raymond and Charles and son, Todd (Amy) Schwantes; a great-granddaughter, Mikayla Pribbernow; six brothers: Charles, Edward, David, Victor, Donald and Eugene “Jack”, and seven sisters: Delores, Bernice, Lucille, Betty, Carol, Marcella “Sally” and Diane.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Colonial Center for the wonderful care she received.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

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