Clara Frances Lenhard, who for the last 4 years resided at Wells Nature View Assisted Living in Marshfield, Wisconsin, ended her journey on earth to start a new life with her Lord on December 25, 2009.

Clara was born October 25, 1920, in the Town of Day – Marathon County, the daughter of John and Anna (Brausch) Bangart. Clara was raised on a farm and attended schools in the Rozellville area. She loved the fact that she was part of a large loving family.

On August 8, 1942, Clara married Clarence Lenhard at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Rozellville. Together, they worked on a farm in the Athens area and raised 7 children.

Clara loved the simple life. She would be up at the crack of dawn to milk cows and work hard all day long. She enjoyed being outside, working in her large garden, which in the fall would mean harvesting and canning vegetables. If there were raspberries and strawberries to be picked, she would be there. If someone need an address/phone number or needed to remember a date, Clara would know it.

Clara loved to sew, and many relatives own a quilt tied by Clara. When it came time for a special occasion, whether it was a birthday, wedding or baptism, Clara was always there with a cake. If you came to visit, she would send baked goods home with you. Clara did a variety of crafts. In later years, she enjoyed working in the ginseng gardens.

Clara kept the crib up as there were always grandchildren or great grandchildren to watch over. Clara had many talents but her family and God were most important to her. Her rosary was always under her pillow.

Those left behind to carry on all her wonderful attributes include her seven children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Christine Heier, Milwaukee; Regina (Eugene) Seidl, Hewitt; and Mary Ann Condon, Milwaukee; sisters-in-law, Patricia Bangart, East Troy; Rose Bangart, Chili; Marian (James) Braun; Rita Schultz, Wausau; and Dolores Lang, Marathon; brothers-in-law, Richard Spindler, Stevens Point, and George Lenhard, Athens. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence, October 16, 2003; sisters, Katherine Denk, Marie Kloos, Helen Mader and Barbara Spindler; brothers, Andrew, Anton, Ernie, Edward and Theodore Bangart.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2009, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Very Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens.