Clara K. Yerke

Clara Kathryn Yerke, age 82 passed away Dec 7, 2010. She was born Jan 3, 1928 to John and Cecelia (Mueller) Weis. She grew up in Rochester and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1945. On Sept 3, 1949 she married Everett Ritter and they were blessed with three children. They farmed in rural Pine Island until his death Mar 15, 1966. On March 1, 1969 she married Edward Yerke. They stayed on the farm until 1973 and then moved to Pine Island. He died Jan 8, 1989.
Clara was a member of St Michael's Catholic Church, St. Elizabeths Circle and served on church council. She was also a member of Pine Island American Legion Auxiliary for 43 years and was president for 2 years. She served on many committees in the unit and 3rd district auxiliary. She was a member of the Cancer Support Group of Pine Island. She was employed at Mayo Clinic for 23 years and by PI Fire Department for 11 years.
Clara enjoyed traveling, reading, watching old movies and spending weekends with her family. Her most precious gift from God was her children, grandchildren, step grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Clara is survived by children Linda Page, Craig (Terri) Ritter, and Debbie (Randy) Boelter; 11 grandchildren, Ann, Kelly, Amy, Jody, Julie, Chris, Megan, Katie, Lauren, Becky and Evette; 2 step grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; her sister Helen Gathje and brother Joe Weis of Rochester.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two brothers Eugene and Leo Weis; two sisters Mary Huinker, and Joanne Carlisle; and two sons-in-law Darrel Page and Douglas Peterson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Dec 10 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Pine Island. Friends may call from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday Dec 9 at Mahn Family Funeral Home �'¢?" Mahler Chapel in Pine Island and one hour before service on Friday at the church.

[i]Special thanks to Dee Ann Smith in Oncology for her care and love.[/i]