Clara K. Lindstadt, 92, of Lomax, Illinois, died Monday, April 22, 2024, at Oaklane Nursing Home in Stronghurst, Ill. Born March 4, 1932, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Simeon and Pearl Fry Hunter.
Clara was not only giving, loving, and sacrificing of her time and attention to anyone who needed it, she was loyal and blind to anyone’s background. She would always say it doesn’t matter whether you were a king or homeless, when the lights are out, we are all the same. She was of the Christian faith. She was a proud member of the National Honor Society at Burlington High School where she graduated in 1950. There she met the love of her life Carl Lindstadt, and after graduation, they waited for both to turn 18 years old to marry. She became a homemaker, but quickly established her legacy through volunteerism at the Head Start program, health dept., hospital, and later at the Burlington Senior Center.
For her kids, she led Brownie and Boy Scout troops and Sunday school, hosted and cooked for everyone who stopped by. From neighborhood pickup games to school athletics and activities, Clara was there. She was the definition of a team mom. She was there for all of it.
Her husband, Carl, worked for Carl A. Nelson Company as a superintendent. As he was on the road to various parts of Iowa and beyond, she was there with him. Growing up ‘scotchy’, Clara made the most out of nothing, turning jobsite trailers into soup kitchens. All she ever asked in return was that their stomachs were full and a thank you was given.
Her heart and generosity were evident anytime you saw her. Her memory was sharp, she was quick to ask you about your family or about a game or work, she remembered highlights about your life. When you were with Clara you were the most important person in the world. You were always full, in heart and hand, when you left. Clara never believed in someone coming to see her and leaving empty handed. Day or night her phone was always on and her car was always gassed with snacks ready. All she would need is for you to, “Give me a minute and let me put my shoes on and I’ll be right there”.
As grandchildren and great grandchildren were born, her world shifted as she had a new crew to help steward. After a trip with Carl, she wasted no time going to the Wehrle house to see her grandkids. She offered rides, did laundry, always helping wherever and however she could. She would support the kids in all they were in. Christmas was especially important for them to have what they wanted, but also a reason to get together to laugh and connect, but most importantly she got to cook. As they got older, she would brag about where they lived and how successful and proud she was of them.
For over 20 years she was the rock of love and support for Shylah and Stacy. They were her world, and she truly took pride in that role after her daughter and son-in-law passed. For her last 15 years she lived in rural Lomax, IL overseeing a two-man crew. Her great grandchildren Noah and Brady Lenahan were her final crescendo. As she taught them what it was like to have and be a best friend. Whether it was Noah talking about his games or Brady covering her feet every night before bed, Brady would sing or play her his trumpet. She was their first best friend and would transform her room into their personal play area where laughter was heard, and shenanigans encouraged. She taught them how to live in the moment, not to take life for granted, and to love your family.
Clara will truly be missed; she was the consummate mother/grandma to everyone. Quick with a meal, a game of bingo, or any type of card game either made up on the fly, or rummy, her jokes and stories which led to laughter were contagious, but her heart was never full enough. At least that’s the way it seemed as she was always looking to fill it with more and more people to love!
For the woman who was always giving and doing for others, her body was accepted and donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program to give back to the students.
She is survived by her two children; Stephen Lindstadt and Stanley (Kate) Lindstadt; grandchildren in order; Raina, Shylah, Elly, Stacy, Calandra, Lauren, Abigayil, Hannah, Hadassah, Josiah and Jesse; ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, daughter Carla Wehrle, son-in-law Mark Wehrle, daughter-in-law Polly Lindstadt, two grandchildren, Rebekah and Lucas and nine brothers and sisters.
A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at TRAX located inside Fun City.
Memorials have been established for Henderson County Hospice or The Cupboard Food Pantry.