Claudia M. Dyga

Claudia Dyga was strong woman who worked hard to make life for her children the best she could give. She was grounded in love, faith, and devotion. Claudia was born at a time when America was recovering from the First World War and enjoying industrial prosperity. Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight and the right to vote in a national election was granted to women. Men sported knickers and the occasional raccoon coat while women, who were entering the work force more and more, wore ready-to-wear dresses with no waistlines and hair hidden under a close-fitting hat. It was an optimistic time in American life, especially for the Aamodt family who were expecting their first child. Claudia was born to Ellert and Catherine "Katie" (Hogan) Aamodt on December 18, 1920 in Roseau, Minnesota near the Canadian border. Her father owned a gas station, but when Claudia was born he took on the more important "job" of showing off his first born. Ellert was so proud of Claudia, he drove around town in a convertible so everyone could see his beautiful daughter. He and Catherine would welcome four more children into their family: two daughters, Vivian and Edith and two sons, John and Edward. With this large family, Catherine remained at home to give them her full attention. The children grew up knowing the love and care of their parents and siblings. Claudia was especially close to her sister, Edith, who was two years younger. They shared so much (even clothing) and were the best of friends... at least until Edith happened to ruin something she borrowed from Claudia. Still, they experienced a bond in childhood that would last a lifetime. Growing up in northern Minnesota meant cold winters with sometimes bitter walks to school. That didn't deter Claudia from achieving in school. She earned her high school diploma from Greenbush High in Greenbush, Minnesota. Then when she was 17 years old, her family moved to Muskegon, Michigan when her father took a job with Continental Motors. Claudia was able to attend business college for two years, but her life was about to change when she met Eddie Dyga. Eddie was returning from the war after serving five years in the military. His sisters, Helen and Albina, introduced him to their friend Claudia, and the rest is history. Claudia and Eddie fell in love and were married in 1946, when many other men were coming home to rebuild their lives. Claudia and Eddie raised seven children Larry, Loretta, John, Douglas, Edmund, Greg, and Cathy in their years together. But difficult times put a strain on their family, and Claudia and Eddie divorced after 19 years of marriage. (Eddie died just one month prior to Claudia on February 23, 2006.) While raising her children on her own, Claudia worked for Western Michigan News as editor and office worker until retirement. For a brief time, she had worked in the office at Continental Motors and also at Neisner's Store. Claudia was determined to make life good for her children. She would do anything for them. She made it her life's goal to help her children. Claudia did exactly that with great devotion, in particular to her Down's Syndrome daughter, Cathy, who lived with Claudia for 37 years until her death in 1995. Claudia made sacrifices she did not mind. She didn't seem to need newer clothes, and in fact had a hard time wearing them because she wanted to keep them nice. That was okay to Claudia because she was kind-of old fashioned anyway. Old fashioned in the sense of living simply. She canned by the jar-loads and encouraged hunting and fishing to put food on the table. "Things" were not so important to Claudia, but people were. When asked what she wanted for Christmas, Claudia merely replied, "Good kids." If her children managed to surprise her with a gift, it was all the more special because of who gave it rather than what it was. Claudia had what she valued most - her children and her faith. Claudia was a past member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. In her daily life, she emphasized baptism and the teachings of the Catholic faith, which she passed-on to her children from her own parents. It was this unchanging faith that the family could rely on when Claudia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and when Claudia's sister Edith died in a car accident just a couple months ago. Claudia's family was grateful that she had been able to stay in her own home as long as possible before turning to the care of nursing staff for the past four years. Claudia died at the nursing home late Tuesday morning. She will be missed by all who loved her dearly. Mrs. Claudia M. "Tootsie" Dyga, age 85, died March 21, 2006. She is survived by 5 sons, Larry (Jamie) Dyga of LasVegas, John Dyga of Ravenna, Douglas Dyga of Fremont, MI, Edmund (Janet) Dyga of Muskegon and Greg(Laura) Dyga of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Loretta (Dan) Varboncoeur of Muskegon; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Vivian (Jack) Garvey of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Cathy Dyga; 1 sister, Edith Briggs; and 2 brothers, John Aamodt and Edward Aamodt. A service to celebrate Mrs. Dyga's life will be held on Monday, March 27, 2006, at the Clock Chapel with Fr. Phil Sliwinski officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, 4-7 PM at Clock Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley School. You may sign the online guest book or share a memory at www.lifestorynet.com.