Clara Kleinschmidt

Clara Kleinschmidt, 88, of Canton, passed away, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Graham Hospital Hospice Care in Canton. She was born in Peoria, to Albert and Rosa (Burkhalter) Schaer, on June 30, 1935. They preceded her in death. Clara is survived by her husband of 71 years, Jack Kleinschmidt. They were married on June 15, 1952. Also surviving are three children, Neil (the late Tina) Kleinschmidt of Canton, Alan (Jan) Kleinschmidt of Canton, and Lynn (Cory) Reid of Bartonville, one sister in law, Thelma Schaer, ten grandchildren, Nicole (Michael), Trisha (Nate), Ericia (Vince), Beau (Sloan), Trent, Royce (Alessha), Carissa (Jacob), Jacob (Eyja), Joel, and Lynse (Nathan), and four teen great grandchildren, Alexander, Christian, Collin, Carter, Cayden, Issiah, Lucas, Weston, Reed, Tristan, Kristofer, Wren, Kit, and Maddyx. Also preceding her in death are nine siblings, John (Evelyn), Paul, Willie (Winnie), Louis (Romaine), Charlie (Betty), Freida (Rudy), Mary (Ralph), Louise (Jim), and Eileen (Melvin), and her beloved dog “Spunky”. Clara was a loving stay at home wife and mother for many years. She also worked at Hiram Walker, International Harvester, and she also volunteered for home hospice. Clara was devoted to her faith in God, she was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Canton. She will be fondly remembered for her strong will, incredible work ethic, and always keeping suckers on hand for her many grandchildren to find. Her famous sugar cookies will never be forgotten. She had a love for tending to her garden, taking care of her flowers, and watching hummingbirds. She enjoyed playing scrabble, card games, and watching the Wheel of Fortune. Clara and Jack enjoyed spending their winters in retirement on the St. John’s River in Florida. In summer they spent much time at The Giant Goose Ranch in Canton. Clara and Jack shared a loved of boating from the Illinois River sand bars to the St. John’s River in Florida. On the water they also enjoyed to fish and water ski. Throughout her life the most important thing for her was to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend for everyone she was blessed to know. Memorials may be made to Kapi’ Olani Medical Center for the care and cure they provided for her great grandson Alexander. To do so please visit www.give2kapiolani.org.  Specify the amount you wish to donate, select Pediatric Cancer Care and in the comments section leave her name along with "Team Z".  Follow that with your name and information.  Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when she and her beloved husband Jack are reunited in heaven. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com