Clara Marie Krieser, 97, of Seward, passed away Jan. 2, 2021, in Lincoln. She was born at home on May 19, 1923, to farmer Henry and Minnie Schildt of Pleasant Dale. Clara was baptized (1923) and confirmed (1936) at Immanuel Lutheran Church by Pastor Mertz. She attended the one-room Middle Creek School. She graduated eighth grade at the age of 12 to work on her father’s farm, helping with the hay, milking the cows and taking care of livestock until she married at the age of 18.
On Oct. 22, 1941 Clara married Erwin Krieser at the Middle Creek parsonage by Pastor W.C. Ollenburg and moved to rural Garland. She worked their farm, walking through the “junk” (pasture) to get the cows to milk, gardening, canning and raising four children.
She later worked outside of the home and became known for her famous chili at Li’l Lueb's Bar in Seward. She also cleaned businesses in Seward, including Blevins Law Office, Dale’s Motel and Vahl Drug, until she retired. She was widowed at age 58.
Clara was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and was fond of hand quilting in the Ladies Aid and playing Pickle cards at the Seward VFW. She enjoyed playing cards, especially with her grandchildren – who would sometimes catch her cheating – and indulged in an occasional trip to the casino to play the slots.
She delighted in being included in family vacations and even a Caribbean cruise. Clara happily attended many of her grandchildren’s school activities and continued with her great- grandchildren’s events.
As the years passed, affectionately known as “Great Grandma Ho Hum,” Clara’s most favorite place became her own home. She took pleasure in watching her favorite soap opera, completing the Word Jumble in the newspaper and chatting on the phone with friends and family. She relied on and treasured her daughter Bev’s daily phone calls to check in and chat.
Clara took joy in receiving visitors, above all, her son, Clark, on his daily stops to check on her and visit. She always had her homemade German Gritzwurst ready for son, Phil, to enjoy and take home when visiting. She was patient and generous and was a truly kind, strong and humble woman, who will be greatly missed.
Clara is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Robert) Naber, Waco; son, Philip (Cheryl) Krieser, Green Valley, Arizona, and son, Clark (Diane) Krieser, Seward; grandchildren, Jonathan Krieser, Denver, Colorado; Julie (Steve) Schroeder, Lincoln; Jennifer (Tim) Kennel, Polk, Keri Krieser, Davenport, Florida, Matthew (Misty) Krieser, Grand Island, Nathan (Andrea) Krieser, Lincoln; Nine great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Mark Schroeder, Lincoln, Maddie Krieser, Davenport, Florida; Addison and Charlie Krieser, Grand Island, Alana, Abigayle, Aubriana, Kamden Krieser, Lincoln; sister-in-law, Lola Schildt, Seward; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Clara is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Erwin (1981); son, Douglas (1990); granddaughter, Corina Krieser (2001); grandson, Jeffrey Naber (2012); sister, Selma Murphy; brothers, Martin and Raymond Schildt and one sister-in-law, Ida Schildt.
A memorial service was Jan. 11 with private inurnment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery (Middle Creek) in rural Seward. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of Immanuel Lutheran Church (Middle Creek) or Heartfelt Inc. Condolences may be left for the family at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
