Clara Kolberg

With her sparkling personality and zest for life, Clara Kolberg brought so much beauty to the world around her each and every day. She was hard working and organized, yet always made time to drink in the beauty along her lifes journey. Being a mother seemed to be a role tailor made just for Clara, and her children and grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and joy. Whether she was dancing the night away, exploring new lands, or baking something scrumptious in what her husband called The Jensen Bakery, With a wonderful smile on her face, Clara laced everything she did with so much love for those around her. A true blessing in every sense of the word, the legacy she leaves behind is a timeless treasure to be carried on by all those who continue to hold her in their heart. The 1920s were an unprecedented time in our nations history filled with prohibition, gangsters, and crime, yet they were also a time when technology grew and since buying on credit became an option, Americans could have what they wanted almost instantly. It was on October 6, 1920, that Edward and Marie (Hansen) Jensen were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Clara Alice Jeanetta. Born at home in Muskegon, Michigan, Clara was the youngest of three girls in her family including her older sisters Cora and Alice. Her parents were both immigrants from Denmark; they lived in a house on the corner of Henry Street and Hackley Avenue. During Claras earliest years her father worked for a dairy, but he later operated a bakery. It was there that Clara learned to make so many of the Danish treats that would delight her family and friends throughout her life. She was a bit of a tomboy who was very close to her father, and she attended Central Lutheran Church as a young girl. Clara was delighted when she won a pony from a traveling carnival when she was ten years old. They kept it in the garage for a summer, but later gave it to relatives who lived on a farm. Clara was a good student who graduated from Muskegon High School. After graduation, Clara moved in with her sister who was living in Kalamazoo. She found secretarial work there during the day and worked as a waitress at night. She went to school for business and became a great typist. Clara bought a typewriter for 25 cents a week and used it up until just a few years ago. Life took an exciting turn for Clara when she attended a dance at Howards Barn in Muskegon. There she met a young man named Kenneth Kolberg who would forever hold the key to her heart. He was a student at Western Michigan University and after dating for a time, the couple fell deeply in love. Their blossoming romance was interrupted for a time when Ken was drafted into the Army Air Corp after his junior year. Shortly thereafter, Clara and Ken were married on March 4, 1943 and their daughter, Kristine, was born later that year. Their family of three moved to Champaign, Illinois, where Ken was stationed for a time. They were there for three years during which time Clara worked as a secretary for Collegiate Cap And Gown. Ken was then stationed in India, so Clara and Kristine moved back to Muskegon to live with her parents. The couple corresponded through letters. Clara was quite the letter writer who wrote to Ken every day. When his time overseas was fulfilled, Ken returned to Muskegon and joined his family. They were later blessed with four more children: Kim, Kirk, Kevin, and Kathleen. They settled into a house that Ken built with his father on Diversey in Norton Shores where they remained for the rest of their married life. Clara was actively involved in the lives of her children, serving as a room mother and a 4-H leader, and she was also a Den Mother for Cub Scouts. As a family, they enjoyed annual spring break trips in the family station wagon to visit various historical sights like Gettysburg, the Ford Museum the Soo Locks, and Niagara Falls in addition to so many more. During the summers the family spent a lot of time at the Muskegon Teachers Club on Lake Michigan and at various cottages up north, although Clara never learned to swim. Throughout her life, Clara enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. In addition to the activities with her children, she worked as an election poll worker, a school census taker, and also at the Mona Shores High School Bookstore from 1962 through 1982. Clara was also a member of the St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church Ladies Guild for many years and chaired many church functions. Since she had the heart of a servant, giving of her time brought Clara immeasurable joy. For many years, she and Ken loved to go dancing including 12 years of Y Squares. It was also not uncommon to see them out dancing to big band music at one of Muskegons various social clubs. Later in life, Clara continued to embrace the days she was given. During their retirement years, she and Ken bought an RV and traveled all throughout the United States and into Canada as well. There were also several trips to Europe and a significant trip to Scandinavia where she was able to visit the town her parents were raised in. Once she was blessed with grandchildren, Clara busied herself writing letters to them frequently. She also never forgot to send out a birthday card with a little money tucked inside. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren could never get enough of Claras treats; her Danish Kleina and coffee cake were among her specialties. Although Clara enjoyed relatively good health throughout the majority of her life, the last year has been a bit more challenging. She was thrilled to make it to her 90th birthday, but her health began declining. Her spirits never faltered, however, since she still managed to send out 60 Christmas cards this past holiday season! Clara Kolberg was a remarkable woman who always had serving and caring for others in the forefront of her mind. She treasured being both a wife and mother and her grandchildren were her greatest reward. Clara loved showering those around her with her baked goods that were second to none as an outpouring of a heart that knew no bounds. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they find comfort in knowing she is with the Lord she loved more than life itself. Clara will be deeply missed. Clara A. J. Kolberg died on Friday, January 7, 2011. Claras family includes her husband, Kenneth; five children, Kristine (Cesareo) Vasquez of Williams, Arizona; Kim (Carole) Kolberg, Kirk (Laura) Kolberg, Kathleen (Gary) Schottke all of Muskegon, and Kevin (Sherlene) Kolberg of Allegan, Michigan; 17 grandchildren; Todd Thedorff, Luisa Mugridge, Laura Kimberling, Trevor Thedorff, Linda Vasquez, Troy Thedorff, Nathan Denman, Kari Kolberg, Piper Denman, Brad Schottke, Matthew Kolberg, Megan Kolberg, Ryan Kolberg, Keith Kolberg. Kendra Beckstrom, Kory Kolberg, Jesse Kolberg and 18 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4475 Henry Street, Muskegon, MI with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial donation to the Muskegon County Community Foundation - Ken and Clara Kolberg Scholarship