Clara A. Persoon

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Clara, our loving mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on April 17, 2019.

Clara was born at home near Ivanhoe on August 21, 1923 to Peter and Anna Lipinski Otto. She was one of ten children in the Otto family.

Clara and Raymond Persoon were married the morning of January 28, 1947 at the St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. True to Minnesota winter weather, there was a blizzard that afternoon. Clara and Ray were married forty one years before Ray’s passing.

Upon moving into Tyler, Minnesota after Ray’s passing, Clara was employed at Maynard’s Grocery. Working at Maynard’s was one of the highlights in her life. Clara loved greeting everyone who shopped at the store, giving out hugs, smiles, and words of wisdom with a twinkle in her eye. Her work ethic was unmatched.

The number one love in Clara’s life was her family. She was always so proud of all of them. Her children are Gerald, wife Charlotte, of Olympia, Washington; Kenneth, wife Phyllis, of Cottonwood, Minnesota; Richard, wife Joyce, of Marshall, Minnesota; Ronald, wife Patricia, of Tyler; Julie, husband Curt (deceased), of Centralia, Washington.

Clara’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. They are Amie & Brian Bartholomew, Sarah, Emily, & Owen; Rebecca & Russell Olsen, Alex; Drew Persoon & Lindy McCarthy; Dawn & Ryan Arends, Bryce, Cole, & Lane; Ryan & Kellee Persoon, Rayel & Kenden; Scott & Kim Persoon, Hanna, Benett, & Gracelynn; Stacy & Jeff James, Landyn & Kylee; Carissa & Greg Redenius, Austin, Kayla, Brynlee & Everly; Stephanie & Justin Habel, Foster, Willa, & Bodie.

Quilting was Clara’s passion. She always had a quilting project going and loved to show visitors all her completed quilts. Clara gifted every one of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with many quilts over the years.

Clara lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be remembered for her smile, the twinkle in her eyes and the love in her heart.

The family requests that donations in Clara’s name may be given to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.