Red Lake Falls - Clara Bendel, 90, died Sunday, December 14, 1997 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, December 16 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls with Father Gary LaMoine officiating. Kathie Knott was the organist, and special music was provided by the St. Joseph's Catholic Church Choir. Casketbearers were Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 10723.
Clara Frances Bendel was born July 12, 1907 in Madison, the daughter of John and Mary (Brown) Bendel. She moved to Greenbush at a young age, and in 1914, the family moved to Red Lake County where she attended both parochial and public schools. After graduating from high school and teacher training, she taught in rural school for 12 years. She was employed at the Red Lake Falls Clinic and later at Red Lake Electric until she retired in 1972.
Clara was an active member of the Catholic Daughters, St. Ann's Society and the American Legion Auxiliary of which she once served as president. She had been a resident of Sunset Court for 13 years and participated in all of its activities including writing a monthly newsletter which was published in the Gazette.
Clara is survived by two brothers, John and Leo (Josephine) Bendel, both of Red Lake Falls; one sister, Florence (Wallace) Miller of Red Lake Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Clarence, Joseph, Carl and Balsey; and three sisters, Frances Constant, Mary Fitzgerald and Sabina Remick.