Claire Elizabeth Uerling

Claire Uerling (aka Clara B. Uerling), age 92, of Indianola, NE passed away Wednesday, November 16, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Claire was born May 2, 1931 at the family home in St. Ann, Frontier County, Nebraska to parents Joseph Christ Anderjaska and Lucy Julia (McCracken) Anderjaska. Growing up, Claire went to high school in McCook. Following high school Claire attended McCook Junior College, worked at Ma Bell and saved money to go to the University of Nebraska for one year which was required for her teaching certificate. At UNL Claire joined the pep club and made up the yell, “Go Big Red” along with helping to write their pep songs like “Good Old Nebraska U.” Claire majored in home economics at the University of Nebraska. She entered suits she had designed in the Nebraska State Fair where she earned purple ribbons in sewing and modeling. Claire was a certificated teacher and taught school for a year. She met Robert William Uerling at a local dance and fell in love. She said Robert was pleasant, humble, and handsome. Claire said Bob didn’t brag or need to have a fancy car. They were married June 10, 1952 at the Sacred Heart Catholic church in Hayes Center, NE. Over the years, the couple made their home in both rural McCook and rural Indianola. Claire and her family built their home outside of Indianola where they continued to farm and feed cattle. Claire and Bob were blessed with seven children.

Claire was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Society. Claire was a talented artist, avid seamstress, baker of delicious cinnamon rolls, bread, homemade noodles, and desserts such as fudge, and fondant. She loved gardening and canning. Claire was a member of the Red Willow Card Club, leader of the local 4-H club called Try & Do, which she started for her children whom she taught a variety of subjects such as cooking, sewing, art, entomology, and first aid. Claire was a former president and a member of the McCook Art Guild for many years. Claire and Robert also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and see the world. Among their favorite locations were Alaska and Europe. Claire enjoyed spending summer days at the lake boating and skiing with their children and their friends or socializing at family picnics.

Claire was preceded in death by her husband in 2016, her parents; brothers Conrad, Jerry, Bernard, Arnold, and sister, Joan.

She is survived by twin daughters, Rosann (Tom) Wattonville of Bakersfield, CA and Susanne (Mike) Osberg of Grand Island, NE: daughter, Carol (Mark) Akers of Omaha, NE; son, Mark (Sherri) Uerling of McCook; daughter Nancy McGrath of Bennington, NE; son James (Kathy) Uerling of Indianola; and son, Ray (Lee) Uerling of Flagstaff, AZ; sister Audrey Suiter of McCook; and brother Tom ( Maryanne) Anderjaska of Hayes Center, NE; sister-in-law, Joyce McLeland of McCook; granddaughter, Melissa (Jason) Wright of Lexington, KY, grandson, Gregory Wattonville of Bakersfield, CA; granddaughter, Bree Wattonville of Bakersfield, CA; grandson, Ryan (Emily Gruppo) Wattonville of Westminster, CO; granddaughter, Amy (Seth) Osberg Roberts of Dallas, TX; granddaughter, Kristin Osberg Hannum (Steve), Newport Beach, CA; grandson, Nicholas Osberg of Hays, KS, grandson, Robert Osberg (Jennifer) of Hastings, NE; granddaughter, Kara (Brad) Hauber of Grant City, MO; grandson, David (DJ) Akers of Omaha, NE; grandson, Joel (Sarah) Uerling of McCook; grandson, Dustin (Sibyl) Uerling of North Platte, NE; grandson, Brian (Hayley) Uerling of McCook; grandson, Andrew ( Jackie) Uerling of McCook; granddaughter, Mattie (Steven) Sander of Holdrege, NE; grandson, Justin (Mindy) McGrath of Bennington; granddaughter, Rebecca (Josh) Erickson of Bennington; granddaughter, Sarah McGrath of Omaha; granddaughter, Loretta McGrath of Omaha; grandson, Matthew Uerling of Omaha; grandson, Paul Uerling of McCook; granddaughter, Morgan (Daniel) Arp of McCook; granddaughter, Kori Uerling of Lincoln; granddaughter, Savanna (Derek) Cox of Norfolk, NE; grandson, Ryland (Yessenia) Uerling of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter, Emily Uerling of Phoenix, AZ; and grandson, Quinn Uerling of Chico, CA. Other survivors include 28 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces, and nephews.