Macil Marie Claus 1920 - 2014

CLAUS, COX, HALL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/28/2014 at 14:41:42

Mapleton Press
23 October 2014

Macil Marie Claus, 93, of Smithland, passed away peacefully and with family at her side on Sunday, Oct. 5, at her home in Smithland.

Macil was born on Dec. 20, 1920, in rural Smithland. She was the daughter of Charles and Bethene (Cox) Hall. She attended Smithland School and graduated in 1938. She went on to attend NBT School in Sioux City.

On Jan. 2, 1943, Macil married Clemence Claus in Tacoma, Wash., where Clem was stationed with the U.S. Army during WW II. While in Tacoma, Macil worked in the U.S. Ship Yards.

When Clem came home from overseas and was discharged, they moved to the family farm in rural Smithland. Macil was a stay-at-home mom all the years on the farm. She was a hard worker and always stayed busy taking care of her family, gardening, cooking, and serving others when needed. She was a 4-H leader, a 70-year member of the German City Church, a 64-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and was Clerk of the Little Sioux Township for 40 years.

Clem and Macil retired from farming in 1983 and moved in to Smithland. Macil belonged to several card clubs and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, gardening, ceramics, and spending time with friends and family. She continued taking care of others’ needs by taking elderly to doctor appointments, visitations, etc. She was always the go-to person when help was needed.

She is survived by daughter, Sheryl, and husband, Chuck Oddo, of Valley, Neb.; son, Kent, and wife, Diane Claus, of Smithland; grandchildren, Brian and Anita Oddo, Sharmel and Mark Miller, Jason and Kelly Claus, and Jill and Adam Vander Schaaf; 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clem; an infant daughter, her parents, and brother, Donald.

Macil was always a source of strength and leadership and never complained. She maintained her great sense of humor and wit to the very end. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 10, at German City Church rural Hornick with Pastor Paul Mahaffie officiating.

Music for the service was provided by Eric Hanson singing “He Touched Me” and “Jesus Loves Me” and a recorded selection “Precious Memories.”

Pallbearers were Jason Claus, Adam Vander Schaaf, Brian Oddo, Mark Miller, Tyler Oddo and Brandon Oddo.

Burial was in Little Sioux Township Cemetery, Smithland.

Visitation was held on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. with the prayer service at 7 p.m. at Root Funeral Home – Willman Chapel in Rodney.

Root Funeral Home – Willman Chapel, www.rootfuneralhomes.com, was in charge of arrangements.