Clara Fertig

clara fertig
Clara Mae Fertig, at the age of 103, peacefully passed away in the company of her family at home. Clara was born March 3, 1912 and died April 27, 2015. She is preceded in death by husband Norman W. Fertig and daughter, Clara Brynteson.  Clara is survived by three children, Norman V. Fertig, Theresa Troska, Sally Owen (husband Ken), her son-in-law, Wayne Brynteson, 12 grandchildren and 34 great grand-children. Clara was born in New Rockford, ND as the 11th of 12 children born to Rochus and Teresa (Bartsch) Sander. She married Norman in 1938 and moved to Fargo in 1942. Clara’s resolve and work ethic was evident in all she did; most notably in her decision to open a beauty shop at the young age of 19. She then opened the doors to Clara’s Beauty Shop in 1942, working until she was 90 years old. Clara loved to play cards and to fish. She is credited for teaching many of her children and grandchildren the game of gin and for rarely conceding victory to those who she played against. Her family carries with them fond memories of summers at the lake, learning how to bait a hook and catch a fish. Never one to be idle for long, Clara spent countless hours quilting and baking, donating hundreds of her homemade items to St. Mary’s, the parish to which she was devoted throughout her adult life. Clara was loved and adored by her family, friends and parish members for her unyielding generosity and kindness. She had a heart of gold and a spirit that reflected the love of Jesus. Clara was a faithful wife, a devoted mother, a loving grandmother and a praying great-grandmother. She was truly one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed!  

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  1. My late husband, Clifford, and I got to know Clara when Wayne Brynteson worked with Clifford and was going with Clara Marie. We have been friends for many years and I felt so sorry for Clara Mae when Clara Marie passed away as her mom relied on her for a lot of things. She was a very kind lady and her faith meant a lot to her. I will always remember when she called me when Clifford passed away and said she was going to pray for out family. My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you all, especially David.

  2. Sally, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I felt so blessed to have my Mom until the age of 92 and Clara really tipped the scales! So cool! Blessings to you and Ken and all of your siblings and family. The memories you have made will make you smile throughout the years.

  3. David and Wayne:

    I am so sorry for the loss of Clara! What a wonderful lady she was. I know that she and her daughter are celebrating in heaven and remembering what a wonderful family they had in you! One more special guardian angel with beautiful wings to watch over the two of you. Treasure the wonderful memories you have of her and she will always be with you.

  4. Clara was good friend of our family and a lovely hairdresser. No one could do what she did for my mother in law! She was a faithful person and will be missed I am sure! Carol

  5. Dear Sally and family,
    My condolences on hearing of the loss of your mother. She led a bountiful and fulfilled life. She is indeed an inspiration to all! Enjoy the peace and solitude in the celebration of her life. God Bless and may she rest in peace.

    Regards,
    Paul McConville
    Class of ’65

  6. Hi Sally,
    So sorry I missed your mom’s funeral. i just read her obituary in the paper today. Just think–I lived next door to her for most of my 66 years. I remember the “ducktail” haircuts she gave me, the times I used her hairdryer before prom (she charged me 25 cents–ha), and the time I spent my first “sleepover” at your house. I had to go home at 2AM because I was scared! Of course, who could forget her red geraniums and the tomatoes she planted every year. In her later years before we moved, she would call me to come over and thread her sewing machine. I also remember Clara’s abiding faith and the daily trips she would make to the church for as long as she was able. I’ll never forget how she stood next to my father’s casket, praying with her rosary. holding his hand all the while. I’m sorry we lost touch in the six years since we moved; I didn’t even know she had moved to Minneapolis to (I assume) live with you. I’d love to hear from you sometime about her last six years. She was such a remarkable woman.

    Sincerely,
    Carol

  7. Theresa, How fondly I remember your mother Clara and her beauty shop. Both my mother and I were clients of hers and always looked our best after she finished with us. I still remember the cotton gloves she would wear when giving a perm to protect her hands from the solution. My mother died in 1974 so I know the grief that goes with losing someone so special to us. I’ll keep Clara and your family in my prayers. God bless you all.

  8. I am sorry I missed Clara’s Funeral as I was out of town.
    Clara was very good to me and my mother Joyce Weingarten. She at times would have mom and I over to her lovely home near St. Mary’s.
    Clara would call me to see how I was doing over the years and she always mentor me in my faith.
    I remember when Clara would make all the pies for the Church dinner up to 100 pies and that was in the 1990’s.
    When I was first married she would give me bags of apples so I could make pies for my small children. One time it was a bag of green apples that did not get ripe due to a storm causing branches of apples to fall to the ground. She knew I canned so she gave me the green apples. This was the best apple jelly I had ever made,
    Clara never stopped praying nor did she ever stop doing acts of kindness. One day she came to Mass I think it was Holy Thursday Services and I asked her if she needed a ride home. She said she was praying for a ride home that day as the weather was bad and she was just out of the hospital.She made me feel like I was an answer to her prayers. She was always the answer to my prayers by her love and kindness.
    Clara will truly be missed. Clara made Fargo a great place to live by her prayers and good example. I know she will continue to pray for all of us in Heaven.


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