Full Obituary

CLARA S. SANDEL, age 91, of Thorp, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013 in the Town of Hixon, rural Withee. A graveside service will be held at 11:30am on Friday, August 16, 2013 at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery, in Thorp.
Clara Susan Nowak was born on August 11, 1921 in the Town of Holloway, WI, the daughter of Ignatz and Theresa (Krzykacz) Nowak. She was raised on the family farm and received her education in the Owen area. Clara moved to Chicago to live with her sister, Vicki, where she worked various jobs. She was united in marriage to Anton "Tony" W. Sandel on March 28, 1942 in San Luis Obispo, CA. Clara worked in ammunition plants while her husband served during WWII. They returned to Thorp in 1945 and opened a meat market. In 1951, they sold the meat market to William Nolechek and Clara was a stay at home mom, raising her sons. She later worked as a receptionist for Dr. James Connolly from 1966 until her and Dr. Connolly's retirement.
She was a very active member of the St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church and its PCCW, the Thorp American Legion Auxiliary, the Thorp Lioness Club and Thorp Homemakers. Clara had many interests, but especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing bridge, quilting, gardening, and yard work.
Clara is survived by one son: Ken (Jan) Sandel of Holcombe; three grandchildren: Sarah (Darin) Peterson, Renee' Sandel, David Sandel; two great-grandchildren: Dylan and Kody Peterson; two sisters: Victoria Simpson of Abbotsford and Sylvia Schaffer of Palatine, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tony; one son: Ronald; one brother: Matt Nowak; and one sister: Helen Gowey.