Claire was a member of Elim Lutheran Church of Swaburg (rural Hooper). He was a past member of the Fremont Eagles Aerie 200. He enjoyed polka music and he followed the local polka bands. He was known over a large area of the country as 'Mr. C, the Polka Man'. He had a tremendous memory for the music, and other information including people's birthdays. He also enjoyed fishing. And he enjoyed his time at the Friendship Center playing cards.
He was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Hazel.
Those surviving include: sister - Barbara and husband Ted Teague of Omaha
nephew - Gregory and wife Dawn Teague of Lincoln
3 great nieces - Celia Teague of Las Vegas, Nevada
Cassandra and Cherie Teague of Lincoln
great, great niece - Sophia Hunt of Las Vegas
many cousins and friends
A memorial service will held 2 PM Friday (March 18, 2011) in the Elim Lutheran Church of Swaburg (rural Hooper) with the Rev. Judith Johnson officiating. The committal will be in the church cemetery. There is no public visitation. Memorials are suggested to Elim Lutheran Church and the Fremont Friendship Center.
Condolences(9)
Joan Porter
Fremont, Ne Thursday, March 17, 2011 I will certainly miss Claire on my visits to Arbor Manor. Have been visiting with him for a number of years while visiting other residents. As a matter of fact just talked with him the week before he passed. He also was known by my husband Richard from his evenings at Plaza Lanes years ago. I was very saddened to hear of his passing as our church sewing group had selected a "special" lap robe just for him the day I read the notice in the paper...To his extended family we send our sincere condolances to you as you mourn his passing. He was a good friend to everyone he met at Arbor Manor. Our Sympathy & Prayers, Joan & Richard PorterKenneth and Ruth Bartling
Fremont,, Ne Thursday, March 17, 2011 We extend our sincere sympathy. We remember Claire from when my folks lived next to your folks on West 8th St. in Fremont. Clair was a happy person and we have happy memories of him. May God Bless you and your family.Ramona Dittrich
Ceresco, NE Thursday, March 17, 2011 Claire, I never knew anyone that loved Polka music as much as you did. I think you knew every polka song that was ever written, I was in awe of your memory and once you learned my birthday you never forgot it and I could usually count on receiving a card from you. I am sure you have found a Polka band in heaven and are either tapping your toes or dancing with a partner to some lively music.. I will remember the fun family Christmases our families shared. They were fun times. It has been a privilege and honor to know you. RamonaGary Swanson
Oakland Ne., Ne Thursday, March 17, 2011 I always will remember Clair giving me a bad time about chasing girls around the collage. This was when I was growing up with the Goings.Tom and Caryl Hultquist
Omaha, Ne Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Barb and Ted we will be making a donation to the Shrine Transportation fund in Claire's name for transportation of children to the hospital. Sorry about the lost of Claire I know he will be missed. We are in Texas and will be unable to attend the service. Our thoughts will be with you. Tom and CarylKaren Elliott
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 16, 2011 My Grandparents, Carrie and Axel Carlson, lived across the street from the Leifert family in Oakland where I spent a lot of time. Clair and I played together as children. I lost track of him for many years but one day saw him at Stanton Tower. I told him who I was and he said to me "you got in trouble because you got your dress full of mud and Carrie swatted you...and your birthday is July 18 and Carrie's is and Axel is and many more of my family's birthdays. Unbelievable!! You'll always be remembered Clair Karen Carlson ElliottSally
Omaha, NE Wednesday, March 16, 2011 "Clair Bear"~you were one of my first friends at Arbor Manor. I started visiting Arbor Manor 3 years, 4 months ago when my mom, Minnie Rix became a full time resident there. We sure kidded each other~right from the beginning. I am going to miss you! It was just last Friday at "Quarter Bingo" that you won "blackout"! wow, we all envied you and your dollar you received for winning! But, deep inside I was glad it was you who won. I was kinda shocked when I heard you'd made the passage, and I think a lot of people were. I'll see you on the other side someday. Sally BaileyJoan Behrens
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 16, 2011 My dear Claire, oh how I'll miss you. You were the first person to see in the morning and the last to see when I left work. You called me "the inspector" at Arbor Manor. You waited every nite for me to leave, because you knew I had two banana's and a package of cookies to give you :)...You were an inspiration to me with all your memory of dates, music titles, and memorization of Nebraska liscense plate numbers of counties. You my friend will be missed by many and will always be in my heart. As you would say to me every night.. "Don't let the bed bugs bite"..See you not tomorrow, but someday my friend. Love JoanRod
Fremont, Ne Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Claire, Thanks for the laughs. You never let me pass by you without calling me a squirrel sitting up in the tress doing some different every week. Going to miss that. Signed Squirrel