Clara Marie Hansen

Clara Marie Hansen, daughter of Joseph Fromm and Josephine (Eckerman) Fromm, was born on September 25, 1912 in Westphalia, IA. She grew up in the Westphalia/Panama area and attended school through the 8th grade. After school she worked on her parent's farm, as well as various jobs in Harlan, where she met her husband to be, Raymond Hansen. They were united in marriage on November 20, 1934 in Panama, IA. In 1936 Clara and Ray moved to Englewood, CA, and lived there until 1945. Clara worked as a waitress at the Chamber of Commerce Restaurant, waiting on such people as the well known William Randolph Hearst. In 1945 they moved back to Iowa and started farming west of Harlan. That same year a baby girl was born to Clara and Ray, but died at birth. They continued farming in the Harlan area until 1947, when they moved to a farm North of Defiance. They lived and farmed there until 1971, when they retired and moved into Denison, IA. During that time they were blessed with two more children, one son and one daughter. In addition to being a farm wife, Clara became interested in sales work and worked as a sales consultant for Stanley Home Products Company for years. She held many a party and sold many a product to people all around the Crawford and Shelby county areas, making new friends with her friendly smile and outgoing personality. Clara had many interests and joys in her life, one being her love and natural talent of playing the piano, which she learned while attending grade school. She loved playing and singing and many a family, friend and neighbor were entertained when stopping by for a visit. Clara played the piano well into her 90's, winning several national ragtime piano awards at the Old Time Country Music Contest and Festival, held annually in Missouri Valley, IA. In 2004 she was honored by being inducted into their national music hall of fame. Clara's Catholic faith was also a very important part of her entire life. She was active and participated in many church related events and organizations through the years, as well as being a devoted member of her monthly rosary group. Two of Clara's most memorable Christian events were the pilgrimage that she took to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia and to Guadalupe, Mexico. In her later years, Clara also enjoyed being able to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they were always entertained as well, with a song on her piano. And last but not least, we can't forget her enjoyment and love for her pet cockatiel, Peetie, who was her constant companion in later years and continued to make regular visits to see Clara after she moved into the care center. In 2009 Clara moved to North Port, FL, to live by her daughter and enjoy the sunshine. Prior to moving to Florida, Clara had been a resident of Manilla, IA. On December 13, 2011, Clara passed away, with her daughter by her side, at the Quality Health Care Nursing Home, in North Port, where she had resided for the past year. She was 99 years, 2 months and 18 days of age. Clara was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond, infant daughter Linda Ray, and 5 siblings, Catherine (Pechman) Zimmerman, Henry, Leo, Louis and Joseph III Fromm. She is survived by her son Dan Hansen and wife Betty of Manilla, IA and daughter Jodie Morrill and husband Morrie of Lake Placid, FL; 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Celebrant REV. ROBERT GRALAPP Music "HOW GREAT THOU ART" "PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND" "AMAZING GRACE" "AVE MARIA" KRISTIN GRAEVE ZIMMERMAN, VOCALIST SACRED HEART CHOIR KATHY GRAEVE, ACCOMPANIST Casketbearers MORRIE MORRILL RICHARD BLUM DAVID HANSEN CHAD GOODRICH WESLEY VENNINK DANIEL VENNINK STACY PECHMAN MIKE PECHMAN