Clara Adams

Clara Katharine Rizzi was born November 4 1921 on her grandfather Carl Schill?s farm in Richfield, MN, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth Katharine (Schill) Rizzi. Eight days later her mother died and Clara was raised and cared for by her grandparents. Her father remarried Lulu Nelsen; they lived in Chicago several years before returning to Robbinsdale. Clara graduated from Robbinsdale High School. Clara attended St. Barnabas Nursing School and worked at St. Barnabas Hospital as a nurse?s aide. On December 29, 1951 Clara was united in marriage to Simon R. Wicklund in Minneapolis. A short time later the couple moved to Elbow Lake, MN where they owned and operated a jewelry store. They sold the store in 1959 and moved to Alexandria, MN. Clara worked for Bethany Home for sixteen years before moving to Montevideo, MN. In Montevideo Clara worked at Luther Haven Nursing home, it is there Clara met George Adams. They were united in marriage on December 13, 1975 in Montevideo. The couple moved to Le Sueur, MN. Clara worked for Minnesota Valley Memorial Hospital. She later worked for Green Giant before retiring. Following George?s death in 1996 Clara returned to Alexandria to be closer to her family. Clara was a member of the Eastern Star for well over fifty years. She held dual memberships in the Eastern Star in Alexandria and Jordan, MN and is a Past Matron. Clara belonged to the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Rose Croix Shrine #13 of Mankato. She was a life member of the DAV. Clara enjoyed traveling and has been to Alaska and Hawaii. Clara liked to spend time doing embroidery work and crocheting. She also enjoyed baking cookies! Clara loved caring for people, & also enjoyed visiting with people. Most important to Clara was her family. She loved children and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Clara enjoyed going to Valley Fair and Disneyland with her grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren and they loved her. Over the past few years Clara has been a resident of Knute Nelson. She has been well cared for by Lorraine Olson Sheppard and the staff at Knute Nelson. Clara?s family is very grateful for all of their love & care. On Monday, November 14, 2011 surrounded by her family, Clara died at the age of ninety years. Her husband, George Adams; brother, Lincoln Rizzi & wife Pauline; and a half sister & brother- in law Mrs. Lyle (Mary Lou) Hansen, preceded her in death. Clara is survived by her son George Wicklund; daughter, Yvonne (Joe) Shimota; five grandchildren, Angie (Dean) Krebs, Mike (Alison) Benham,: Sara, John and Stephanie Shimota; and five great grandchildren, Lauren, Hunter, & Wyatt Krebs, Taylor & Emily Benham. A funeral service was held Friday, November 18, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Marilee Bergerson officiated. Karen Gladen and Randy Morken provided music. Interment followed in Sunset Memorial Park in Roseville. Casket bearers included Angie Krebs, Mike Benham, Sara Shimota, John Shimota and Stephanie Shimota and Dean Krebs. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.