Clara Hess

Clara was born on July 2, 1915, in Marshall to Alois and Adele (Van Huffel) Van Overbeke. She attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Marshall. On July 10, 1937, she married Norbert Hess at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. They moved to Brainerd, MN, where Norbert worked for Pillsbury Co. They returned to Marshall and Norbert managed the Hess Lockers. Clara was a devoted wife mother and volunteer. As a couple, they loved to travel. They were instrumental in helping to get Central Catholic High School built. As empty nesters, they rented rooms in their home to working girls, nurses and professionals. Carmin DeKoster became like a daughter as she rented a room for many years. She moved to Boulder Estates with Clara until her retirement from SMSU. Her summer enjoyment was spending time at her cabin on Lake Villard. She will be remembered for her fried chicken and famous apple pies. Clara had a deep conviction to her faith. On April 28, 1996, she was awarded the Bishop’s Medal of Service for Outstanding Service and Commitment to the People of God in the Parish of the Church of the Holy Redeemer and the Marshall Area. She was a member of Catholic Daughters,Catholic Foresters, Weiner Memorial Auxiliary and the Resurrection Choir. Clara died on Monday, July 14, 2008, peacefully at Patricia Court in Marshall. She is survived by her children: Tom (and Jeanine) Hess of Litchfield, MN, Nancy (and Bill) Bruckner of Milwaukee, WI, Jean (and John) Brobst, Bill (and Anita) Hess, Chuck Hess, Christine Hess and husband Carl Rohlik, all of Marshall, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, brother Robert Van Overbeke of Marshall, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Norbert, parents, great-grandchild Andrew Aune, four brothers and two sisters. Her support, quiet smile, gentle way and tiny bit of stubbornness will be missed by all. Memorials Preferred to Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall.