Clara Dunham

Clara Adeline Runningen was born March 13, 1920, in Columbus, North Dakota, the daughter of Christ and Anna (Rud) Runningen. She was baptized on May 16, 1920, in Columbus, and confirmed on August 20, 1933, at Faith Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. On March 5, 1936 Clara married Gilmen Haarstad. Gilmen and Clara farmed in the Rothsay area before moving to Pelican Rapids where they operated the Pelican Recreation and Cafeteria at West Central Turkeys, Inc. Gilman passed away on January 6, 1973. In November 1974 Clara married Bennie Dunham. Bennie died in October 1987. In the late 1990's Clara moved to Fergus Falls.Clara is a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Clara enjoyed playing bingo and cards. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and quilting.Clara, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls.Clara is survived by her son, Dennis (Arlene) Haarstad of Cavour, South Dakota; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 2 brothers: Cliff (Myrna) Runningen of Pelican Rapids and Christ Jr. (Cathy) Runningen of California; 1 sister, Lottie (Ernie) Kollar of Fergus Falls; many nieces and nephews; and a special niece, Mary Jo who was always there for her.She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 husbands; daughter, Gloria Birchard in June 2004; son-in-law, Henry Birchard in 1995; 2 sisters: Annette and Selma; and 3 brothers: Marvin, Oliver and Donald.Blessed Be The Memory of Clara Dunham