After a life well-lived, Clara Arvilla Emilie (Euler) Ricci went to be with the Lord on July 10, 2015, at the age of 104. Think of all the history and changes she saw during her lifetime! She was a great blessing to her family and so many others and her presence will continue to be felt in the many life lessons that she demonstrated.
Clara was born on April 8, 1911, to the late August and Hety (Wendorf) Euler. She was the middle child of nine children and outlived all of her siblings. On May 19, 1928, Clara married Angelo Ricci and together they ran a dairy farm and raised five children. Clara was a thrifty and resourceful homemaker who was “green” before it was cool. She did not like to see anything go to waste. She sewed her children’s clothes without using patterns and baked 20-30 loaves of bread a week. She was known for her hospitality and never let a visitor leave without a meal.
After retiring from farming, Clara and Angelo renovated the one-room schoolhouse where all five of their children had attended school and converted it into a home where they spent the next 30 years. They looked forward every winter to escaping to sunny Florida where they tended their orange trees and welcomed family who came to visit. Clara and Angelo celebrated 63 years of marriage together before they were parted by his death on October 11, 1991.
Clara was an active lady and lived independently until past the age of 100. She visited family around the country, reconnected with her husband’s family in Italy, and even travelled at the age of 85 to Saudi Arabia to visit her daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and John Losacco. In Florida she regularly swam and rode her three-wheel bike and could often be found playing cards or board games. Clara was an avid baker and will forever be remembered for her giant batches of German coffee cakes which she shared with many.
Clara loved babies and would hold and rock babies as often as she could. She also had a talent for nurturing plants and kept vegetable and flower gardens for many years. Clara drove until she was 95 years old, and was known to have a heavy foot, especially when running late for church. Clara enjoyed the activities and companionship of Red Hatters both in Merrill and Charlotte, NC.
Clara was a member of Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill for over 60 years. She was also active with Bethany Guild and Tug Lake Bible Study Group. Her deep love of the Lord guided her thoughts and footsteps throughout her life and she would end every day on her knees in prayer.
Her loving example was the foundation for the nurturing family she leaves behind. Clara is survived by her five children: Junior (Karen) Ricci of Wausau; Darlene (John) Losacco of Charlotte, NC; Robert (Patti) Ricci of Irma; Peggy (Bill) Anderson of DePere; and Linda (Chet) Rhinehart of Merrill. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Angelo, Clara is preceded in death by brothers Marvin, Lawrence, Ruben, Elmer and Ray; sisters Viola, Irene and Eleanor; daughter-in-law Dorothy Ricci; and grandchildren Johnny and Jeanne Losacco.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent in Clara’s name to Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill or AseraCare hospice, who helped provide loving care during Clara’s final weeks.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at 11 a.m., with visitation taking place on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. All remembrances will be held at Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.