Clara E. Steingraber

Clara E. Steingraber 92, Las Cruces, N.M., formerly of Edgar, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010 in Las Cruces. She was born July 10, 1917 in Edgar, daughter of the late August and Alma (Draeger) Weinkauf. On November 19, 1955, she married Reuben G. Steingraber. He preceded her in death on February 26, 2009. Clara grew up in Edgar and loved sports. During her school years, she played baseball with the local teams. She attended Edgar High School and graduated with a class of 16 in 1935. Clara also attended St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgar and was confirmed by the Rev. George Diemer. After moving to Las Cruces, she met his nephew, Rev. Max Diemer. Following graduation, Clara accepted jobs in the local area and then decided to move to Chicago and enjoyed the new opportunities that were offered there. She finally accepted a position with Motorola and remained with the company until she retired 29 years later. While living in Chicago, Clara had many friends from Wisconsin and she loved to attend square dancing classes. It was through square dancing that she met her husband, Reuben who was also from Wisconsin. Together, they attended Wicker Park Lutheran Church and were very active members. In November of 1990, they retired and moved back to Edgar to help her brother and be close to relatives. They joined St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgar and became active in the alter guild for many years. In August of 2006, they moved into a Good Samaritan facility in Las Cruces, N.M., to be taken care of by Lester and Dawn MacPherson, as they could no longer care for themselves. Clara was always very happy and pleasant with the staff that took care of her. The staff at Good Samaritan always enjoyed being around Clara. Her smiles and "Thank you's" will never be forgotten. Survivors include, one sister-in-law, Eileen Steingraber; three nephews, Lester (Dawn) MacPherson, Gary (Gail) Steingraber and Richard (Eileen) Steingraber; and two nieces, Kathryn Lee and Lois (Robert) Hintz. Besides her parents and husband, Reuben, she was preceded in death by one brother, Clarence Weinkauf. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010 at St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgar. Rev. LaDonna Ekern will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgar. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com