CLARA ELIZABETH MARTINSEN, age 94, of Worthington, died Friday, February 20, 2015, at the South Shore Care Center in Worthington. She was born January 6, 1921, in Crofton, NE to parents John and Mary (Weiand) Kuehler. She attended school in Crofton and after graduating she was employed as a waitress.  On May 3, 1943 she enlisted in the United States Navy and completed the Navy Training Aviation Machinist's Mate. She was a second class Mate and served in Atlanta, Georgia maintaining airplanes.  She also served as a co-pilot.  After she was honorably discharged in 1945 she returned to Onawa, IA and was employed as a waitress.
On April 3, 1951 she was united in marriage to Glenn Martinsen in Ponca, NE.  They made their home in New Castle, NE until moving to Sibley, IA; in 1961 and were engaged in farming. In 1966, they moved to Melvin, IA. In 1979, she moved to Round Lake, MN; and worked for Sather's retiring in 1986 when she moved to Worthington.
Clara was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the American Legion in Worthington.  She also volunteered at Pioneer Village. She enjoyed making beaded banners, crocheting, knitting and cross-stitch. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by her three children, Jane Green, Primghar, IA; Diane (Frank) Kayser, LeMars, IA; John (Cathy) Martinsen, Windom, MN; four grandchildren, Jim (Rhonda) Kayser, Lily Kayser, Amanda and Ian Martinsen, three great-grandchildren, Sean, Spencer, and Seth Kayser, one sister, Esther Linderwell, Marion, IN.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents, son, David, sister, Helen Feldhacker, brothers, Howard and Henry Kuehler and infant brother, Ralph.
Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Monday, with parish prayers at 6 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington. Visitation also from 10 to 11 am Tuesday at the church. Funeral Mass will be 11 am Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Worthington, officiated by Fr. James Calahan. Burial will be at 2 pm Tuesday at St. Cecelia Catholic Cemetery in Sanborn, IA.

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