Clara Thom

Clara Thom, 89, of Langdon, ND, passed away Monday, June 3, 2013, at the Cavalier County Memorial Hospital of Langdon, ND after suffering a debilitating stroke.

Clara Florence Kempel was born in Linden Township on February 1, 1924, to Anna Marie Klebovich and Walter Kempel. She resided and went to school in Wales, ND. Clara married Elmo Thom on September 8, 1943. They lived on the farm near Wales and raised six children. Clara was an avid gardener, cook, and made delicious baked goods. She belonged to the Minto Township Homemakers group. They also belonged to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Moscow Township where she was active in the ladies aid and later joined the United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND, where she belonged to Circle One and WELCA. Clara was a past president of American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the VFW and Eastern Star. Elmo and Clara were Patron and Past Matron of Doric Chapter of Eastern Star in Hannah, ND. Clara was a member of and served as president of the Langdon Eagles Auxiliary. Clara was an excellent cook. Many wonderful memories were made with her grandchildren when they had the opportunity to cook with her. Clara and Elmo enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and they loved to play games and cards. Clara loved to hostess and held the church picnic at the farm when they belonged to Moscow Township Church. She enjoyed taking part in activities at the Legion and the Eagles. She was very generous and caring. Clara moved into Maple Manor Care Center in June of 2012.

Clara is survived by her sons: Eugene (Jeanne) of Renton, WA; John of Minot, ND; William (Jackie) Thom of Langdon, ND, 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Ida Mae Kempel of CA.

Clara was preceded in death by: her husband Elmo on July 4, 1979, daughter Barbara on March 18, 1968, son Murray on May 28, 2005, daughter Sylvia Thom Weerts on September 2, 2011, grandson Todd Freeman on October 26, 1983, daughter-in-law Anette Thom on January 10, 2013, brothers Joe, Mike, Jake and Walter Kempel, sisters Kathryn McKay, Ann Christopherson Jore, Mary Brehmer, Elizabeth Sando Greenshield, sisters-in-law Elsie Kempel and Sigrid Kempel.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 7, 2013, at the Brooks Funeral Home of Langdon, ND from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at the United Lutheran Church of Langdon, ND at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Interment will be held at Lebanon Cemetery, Langdon, ND.