Clara Christina Van Laar
November 14, 1942 - September 17, 2017
Clara Christina (Roetman) Van Laar, age 74, of Graettinger, Iowa, peacefully passed away Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Comfort House in Pella, Iowa, surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Clara’s Life will be held on Thursday, September 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 at Crossroads Community Church in Estherville, Iowa with Pastor Mike Drew officiating. Clara was born on November 14, 1942, in Sheldon, Iowa. She was the first daughter of Albert and Christina (Paulsen) Roetman, Jr. Clara grew up in the town of Sheldon and graduated from Sheldon High School, class of 1961. During high school, Clara began dating Lloyd Arthur Van Laar, a neighbor and student at Sheldon High School. Lloyd enlisted with the Air Force and served for four years. After Lloyd’s discharge in 1959, the high school sweethearts reunited and on September 23, 1961, Clara and Lloyd were united in marriage. They were blessed with four children: Dallan, Krista, Stacey, and Dusty. Clara and Lloyd shared 45 years of marriage before Lloyd’s passing on June 11, 2006. Clara worked at Eaton Corporation in Spencer, Iowa as a Quality Assurance Supervisor. After 40 years of service, she retired from full time employment in 2006. After her retirement, she worked part time in the Eaton Employee Credit Union. She really enjoyed being able to stay in touch with her former co-workers and friends. Clara was a loving mother and grandmother. Her biggest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. She was a devoted member of Crossroads Community Church in Estherville and enjoyed being a part of the Motherhood Outreach Ministry. Clara was very generous with her time, prayers, and gifts which included cooking, baking, and crocheting. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Those left to cherish Clara’s memories are her four children, Dallan Van Laar and wife Misti, Krista Von Bank and husband Rick, Stacey Hanson and husband Joe, and Dusty Van Laar and wife Emily; eight grandchildren, Mitchell and Molly Van Laar, Hallie and Jake Von Bank, Devin and Rachel Hanson, and Megan and Bailey Van Laar. Clara is also survived by her three sisters, Carol Van Roekel and husband Dave, Arlene Krogman and husband Wayne, and Marley McAlpine and husband John; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Clara was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Christina Roetman, Jr., and her husband Lloyd Van Laar.
Clara Christina (Roetman) Van Laar, age 74, of Graettinger, Iowa, peacefully passed away Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Comfort House in Pella, Iowa, surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Clara’s Life will be held on Thursday,... View Obituary & Service Information