Clara Jean Baertlein (Karrels), 80, of Williams, died Tuesday, August 27, 2013. She was born February 10, 1933 in Port Washington, Wisconsin, to Charles Karrels and Clara Myers. She married Daniel Baertlein on June 15, 1957 in Belgium, Wisconsin.She is preceded in death by her son, Carl. She is survived by her husband, her sisters Mary Jane Stern and Pearl Lauters, her brothers Allen Karrels and Daniel Karrels, her daughter Lisa and sons Brian (Dawn), Peter (Ann), Hugh (Elena), and Joel (Ladonna), four granddaughters, five grandsons, and seven great-grandchildren.
Clara graduated from Port Washington High School and later moved West with her family. A resident of Williams since 1968, she was active in St. Joseph's parish and was the President and active member of Legion of Mary for several years.As a devout Catholic woman, Clara was a catechist who often visited the sick and shut-in. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and an accomplished seamstress. She will be remembered for her quick sense of humor and beautiful smile.
A Rosary will be said in her honor at 7pm on Friday, August 30th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williams. The funeral service will also be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, followed by a pot-luck lunch in the church hall. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (2113 N. East Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004), benefiting the upcoming Williams Chapter of the Society.