Clara O Herold

     Clara O. Herold, 92, of Sparta, found peace and entered Eternal Life on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.

     Clara was born at the family homestead near Seneca, WI on July 27, 1924, daughter of Knute and Rose (Ertel) Olson.  She attended school at Seneca and graduated from Seneca High School in 1941.  She moved to Madison and attended the Madison Vocational School and worked at Gisholt Machine Co. in Madison during World War II.

     Clara married Gilbert L. Herold on July 4, 1946 and he preceded her in death on August 31, 2005.

     After marriage, she and her husband started a new restaurant in her hometown of Seneca.  This was short lived as it burned to the ground in February of 1948.  They then moved to Prairie du Chien and purchased the bowling alley.  They made many friends and thrived on their adventure.  She was an accomplished bowler and they enjoyed bowling together in many tournaments.

     In 1965, they moved to Sparta, WI.  Clara worked for the Director of the Job Corps at Ft. McCoy for two years until its closure.  She then worked at the First Bank of Sparta for 18 years and retired in 1986.  She also assisted her husband for 8 years operating the Sparta Municipal Golf Course.  After retirement, they spent the winter months in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.  She was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading, and loved being surrounded by family.

     Clara is survived by 7 children: Ronald G. (Mary) of Onalaska, WI, Gary M. (Janet) of Madison, WI, Linda (Clark) Wanlass of Sparta, WI, Bruce C. (Cynthia) of Marshall, MN, Marsha (Kenneth) Smith of Sparta, WI, Gregory J. (Patricia) of Sparta, WI, and Brent D. (Amy) of LaPlace, LA. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 2 nephews, and 1 niece.

     Clara was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Clarence and Roy Olson of Seneca, and two sisters, Laura (Joseph) Holmes of Madison and Mae (Maurice) Paquette of Sparta, grandsons, Brian Herold and Jon Knibbs.

     She will be remembered for her kindness, sparkle in her eyes and quick smile. Those who came in contact with her are better people for it. The family would like to thank the Morrow Home community for the loving care shown while Clara was a resident there. 

     A graveside burial will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in Leon Cemetery, Leon, WI with Reverend Mark Kvale officiating. A Celebration of Clara’s Life will continue at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Jake’s Northwoods, 1132 Angelo Road, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered to the Herold family at www.schanhoferfh.com

     Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements

“Do not stand by my grave and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain”

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