Clara Hettinga

Clara Dorothy Hettinga, 91, Wausau, died Friday, December 14, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Ascension Home Care Hospice Services.

Clara was born January 28, 1927 at the family home in the Town of Easton to the late Henry and Clara (Hollander) Fraaza.  She married Riemer Hettinga on September 17, 1947 at the Forestville Reformed Church.  While Riemer worked for Marathon Electric, Clara cared for their seven children and worked on the family dairy farm.

She was a loving mother who enjoyed spending time growing flowers all around their home and tending to her garden and its many vegetables.  Clara was an excellent cook and baker using many of the vegetables that she had canned year-round.  Her crafty side came out when she sewed clothing and quilts, worked on her needlepoint and other projects.  In retirement, Clara and Riemer enjoyed traveling the United States by bus visiting nearly every state and flying to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland.

Clara is survived by her loving children, Beverly Hettinga of Wisconsin Rapids, Lois Hettinga of Wausau, Leslie (Toni) Hettinga of Caldwell, ID, Jerry (Peggy) Hettinga of Weston and Gary (Lisa) Hettinga of Weston; grandchildren, Jeremy (Meaghan), Johanna (Jared), Chad (Jessica), Robin (Ryan), Drew (Hannah), Cory (Odessa), Renee (Wayne), Ashley and Nicholas; 18 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Dixie Hettinga; son-in-law, Robert (Debbie) Thomas; extended family and friends.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Riemer; children, Clifford Hettinga and Bonnie Thomas and her five brothers and sisters.

The funeral service for Clara will be at 4:00 PM on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau.  Pr. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate.  Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home.  A private committal will take place at Forestville Cemetery at a later date.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army (202 Callon Street, Wausau, WI 54401) in Clara’s memory.

Sincere appreciation goes to nurses and staff of Ascension Home Care Hospice Services and TLC Home Care for their tender care for Clara and her family.