Mary Clare Klindt

 Mary Clare Wise Klindt was born on January 31,1924 on the Wise family farm in Pleasant Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Edward and Caroline Bergman Wise. Mary's mother died shortly after she was born and as a result she was raised by her Aunt Nell and Uncle Ervin Fisher in Sioux City, Iowa. At age 3, Mary was reunited with her dad, Edward, Stepmother Rose Kueny and her six siblings. Mary was baptized and confirmed at St Mary's Catholic Church in Avoca, Iowa. Mary graduated from Shelby High School with the class of 1943. 

 On August 25, 1943, Mary was united in marriage to Leonard John Klindt at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avoca, Iowa. They were the parents of five children; Kathleen, Lois, Lynn, Dale and Dean. Leonard and Mary lived and farmed Leonard's home place west of Corley, Iowa.

 Mary was a devoted, loving, hard working farm wife and homemaker. Mary enjoyed being outside, helping Leonard in the fields with planting, making hay and harvest. Every morning and night her chores included milking cows by hand. Life became more manageable when they bought the milking machine. Mary provided food for her family by growing a garden, raised hens for the eggs and broilers for meat. 

 After Leonard passed away in 1990, Mary continued to live on the family owned Century/Heritage farm where she resided for 80 years. Mary cleaned the church and the priest's home for a number of years. She loved reading, watching sports on TV, and keeping her hands busy with sewing, puzzles and word searches. With her sharp mind and wit, she was a wealth of family memories and stories that she loved to share.

 Mary passed away following a short illness on January 6, 2025 at Elm Crest nursing home in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of 100 years, 11 months, and 6 days. She spent her last days cared for and loved by her family and the special friends she made at Elm Crest. In addition to Mary's parents, she is preceded in death by her stepmother Rose Kueny Wise, husband Leonard of 47 years, son Lynn Klindt, six siblings, Margaret Allen, Mildred Hayhurst, Joseph Wise, Katherine Kohlscheen, Dorothy Stevens, Eleanor Brown, and son-in-law Jan Flemming. 

 Left to cherish her memory, her children, Kathleen Eckerman of Harlan Iowa; Lois Flemming of Minden, Iowa; Dale Klindt and his wife Ronda of Avoca, Iowa; and Dean Klindt and his wife Julie of Harlan, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren and many relatives and friends.