CLARA B. (SCHLAUTMANN) SMETANA
CLARA B. (SCHLAUTMANN) SMETANA
Clara B. (Schlautmann) Smetana, 87, passed away peacefully at the Marrow Home in Sparta, WI, Jan. 14, 2024.
In the early morning hours on July 4, 1936, Clara was born in Gillette, WY, to parents Wendell and Theresa (Lauby) Schlautmann, the last of six children.
She grew up on the Schlautmann ranch 45 miles southwest of Gillette. In her younger years she enjoyed working on the ranch, horseback riding on the prairie, roping and branding cattle, sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, playing piano, guitar and the accordion. At different times, she helped raise two orphaned baby antelope both named “Bambi” which, until they grew older, were their pets.
In 1954, Clara met Paul Smetana while he was hunting on the Schlautmann ranch. They wrote weekly letters to each other until Paul would return to hunt again each fall. The letter writing continued until they were married June 7, 1958, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, WY. The couple moved to Black River Falls, WI, where Paul worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department. The couple moved back to Wyoming in 1960 to live and work on the Schlautmann ranch. Then in 1962, they moved back to Black River Falls since Paul’s employment was on hold. They made their permanent home in the Township of Komensky. There, Clara and Paul raised seven children.
Clara was a dedicated mother and homemaker; she enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and raising their children. In 1959-1960, she was appointed treasurer of the town of Komensky. Then in 1963, she would be elected as treasurer until 2020 when she decided not to run for that office. As a member of Guardian Angels – St. Joseph Parish, she taught religious education when the children were younger, and she was a member of the PCCW of the parish. In the early 80s, Clara said she was talked into taking over the local Avon lady route in her area. She continued her Avon route until 2019 at the age of 82 when she retired. She loved her customers and visiting with them. Her love of crocheting found her making baby caps for the Black River Memorial Hospital OB department, comfort shawls for Black River Memorial hospice, and prayer shawls for St. Joseph Catholic Church. Clara remained in her home until 2023 when she moved into Marrow home in Sparta, WI.
She is survived and loved by her seven children, Theresa (Craig) Rodenberg, Rose (Duane) Olson, John (Connie) Smetana, Sue (Glenn) Miller, Trish Smetana, David (Ann) Smetana, and Patrick (Kris) Smetana; and her grandchildren, Emily and Erin Rodenberg, Wade and Justin Olson, Lexie and Zak Smetana, Cole McPeak and Carly (Dustin) Dittner, Callie and Caleb Durman, Sophia and Julia Smetana, and Elissa and Addilyn Smetana. She is also survived by brother Louis Schlautmann of North Dakota; and in-laws Fr. Joseph Smetana, Genevieve Smetana, Jim (Rosie) Smetana, Lois Smetana and Rita Miles. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from Wyoming and Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by both her parents; husband Paul Smetana; sisters Rita Lubken, Barbara Schlautmann and Lucy McMahon; brother Albert Schlautmann; brothers-in-law Bernard Smetana, Wilfred Smetana, Ike Miles, Tom McMahon and Willie Lubken; and sisters-in-law Mary Schlautmann, Elaine and Mert Schlautmann and Irene Smetana.
A funeral service will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Black River Falls, WI, Saturday, Feb. 17. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., funeral mass to start at 11 a.m. with Father Arivu officiating. A burial and committal service will follow at the Komensky National Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made out to the St. Joseph PCCW (Parish Council of Catholic Women).