Clara M. Fuerstenberg

Clara M. Fuerstenberg, age 95 passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2011 with her children at her side at St. Mary

s Care Center in Madison. She was born September 13, 1915 in Potosi, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Gladding) Cogan. Clara graduated from Visitation High School, Dubuque, IA in 1933. She married Clarence O. Fuerstenberg on April 26, 1937 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Potosi.

Clara was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster and Court of St. Rita No. 670 Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed quilting with the parish ladies. Mom loved God, Clarence, family and music. While Dad was out fishing, Clara was off quilting, singing, playing the accordion, piano or organ. When Clarence came home from his day of fishing, they went out dancing, together again forever. We love you both and will miss you dearly.

She is survived by her son Robert (Susanna) Fuerstenberg, Madison and their children Gary (Kelli), Denis (Jenny) and Jill. Five daughters; Judy Fuerstenberg, McLean, VA; Mary Jane Link, Madison and her children Jim (Kathy Finucane) Link and Myda Honaker; Margaret (Ronald) Diehl, Sauk City and their children, Amy Progar, and Kevin; Faye (James) Morse, Mount Horeb and their sons Michael and Jonathan ; and Beth (Albert) Stenner, Madison and their son Kristofer. Her great-grandchildren Collin, Luke, John, Kathryn, Matthew, Morgan, Daniel (Brandie), David and Joshua (Heather). Two great-great grandchildren, Mason and Sophia. Clara is further survived by her sister Bernadine Leibfried, Hazel Green, and her family, and sister-in-law Bertha Goebel, Dubuque, and many Fuerstenberg nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Clarence on November 20, 1998, and her brothers, Leo (Bernice) and Charlie Cogan, and infant granddaughter, Melissa Morse.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster, with Fr. William Seipp officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Friends called on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster, where a 12:45pm parish rosary was held. Friends also called on Monday from 10:00 am until time of services at the  funeral home.

The love and care given to our parents are more than words can say. Our family wishes to thank the many individuals who assisted Clarence and Clara over the years. We appreciate the help of Bonnie Pluemer, Morningside Assisted Living in Lancaster, the Walnut Grove in Middleton and St. Mary

s Care Center in Madison. Thanks also to Msgr. Thomas Baxter.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a Clara M. Fuerstenberg memorial fund has been established.