of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 95
Clara Wilhelmina Bocena Schulz was born October 5, 1911, in Interior to Heinrich C. and Anna Gulzow Schulz, in a house built by her father and grandfather. The family moved back and forth between that home and the Schulz homestead dugout above the Badland wall. When Clara started to school, she could speak only German. She attended the Interior School for eleven years, then spent her senior year working for the Joe Patton family in Rapid City and attending Rapid City High School where she graduated in 1929. She attended Black Hills Teachers' College and taught at the Potato Creek, Butte and Rock Springs Schools in Washabaugh County. During her girlhood years in Interior, she worked at the drugstore for George and Emily Palmer and also helped care for the Palmer children. When drought and the Depression caused many rural schools to close and fewer teachers were needed, Clara moved to Kadoka and worked at the Dakota Hotel. Later she was employed as housekeeper by Charlie and Ann Hunt.
On August 22, 1934, Clara married Francis P. Solon. They made their home on the ranch south of Weta where they reared their family. Francis died in 1963 and Clara continued to live in the country until 1982 when she moved to Kadoka. She was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and Altar Society, Legion Auxiliary and Kadoka Hospital Auxiliary.
Clara was known for her cooking, especially homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and cookies. She liked to quilt and crochet until her eyesight failed. She was "Grandma Clara" to many children besides her own.
In August 1999 she moved to Silverleaf Assisted Living in Philip, and in November 2005 to the Philip Nursing Home.
Survivors include one son, John (Carol) Solon, Kadoka; five daughters, Eleanor Solon, O.S.B., Rapid City, Mary (Dale) Lewis, Wasta, Helen (Larry) Pfeifer, Philip, Gen O'Callaghan, David City, NE, and Winnie (Doug) Bell, Fountain Valley, CA; 16 grandchildren; 15 step grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren; two nieces, Cherie (Don) Brown, Rapid City, and Trish Kiely, Corte Madera, CA; and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Francis; a sister and brother-in-law, Gretchen and Lyn Gladstone; and son-in-law, Blaine O'Callaghan.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry officiating.
Interment followed at the Kadoka Cemetery.
MEMORIAL MASS
Saturday, June 30, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry
LECTOR-EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Fran Rayman
MUSIC
Maureen Palecek
ALTAR SERVER
Molly Coyle
USHERS – GIFT BEARERS
Bernard and Barbara Herber
AT REST
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
"Someday"
Someday perhaps at sunset
When the sky is all aglow
I’ll hear an angel call my name
And bid my spirit to go.
I’ll leave this worn out body
That’s been my earthly home
I’ll be with God and loved ones
I shall not be alone.
I don’t want any tears or mourning
I don’t want anyone to grieve
For it would only make you sad
And what would it achieve.
Death is just a part of life
And I have lived my share
When the roll is called up yonder
I want to be there.
- Rueben R. Lesser
MEMORIAL MASS
Saturday, June 30, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota