Clara B. (Schlautmann) Smetana

Clara B. (Schlautmann) Smetana, 87, passed away peacefully at the Marrow Home in Sparta, Wisconsin,
on January 14th, 2024.
In the early morning hours on July 4, 1936, Clara was born in Gillette, Wyoming, to parents Wendell and
Theresa (Lauby) Schlautmann; the last of six children.
She grew up on the Schlautmann ranch 45 miles southwest of Gillette. In her younger years she enjoyed
working on the ranch, horseback riding on the prairie, roping and branding cattle, sewing, crocheting,
needlepoint, playing piano, guitar, and the accordion. At different times she helped raise two orphaned
baby antelope both named “Bambi” which, until they grew older, were their pets.
In 1954 Clara met Paul Smetana while he was hunting on the Schlautmann ranch. They wrote weekly
letters to each other until Paul would return to hunt again each fall. The letter writing continued until
they were married on June 7th, 1958, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming. The couple
moved to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, where Paul worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department.
The couple moved back to Wyoming in 1960 to live and work on the Schlautmann ranch. Then in 1962
they moved back to Black River Falls since Paul’s employment was on hold. They made their permanent
home in the Township of Komensky. There Clara and Paul raised seven children.
Clara was a dedicated mother and homemaker; she enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and raising their
children. In 1959-1960 she was appointed treasurer of the town of Komensky. Then in 1963 she would
be elected as treasurer until 2020 when she decided not to run for that office. As a member of Guardian
Angels – St. Joseph Parish, she taught religious education when the children were younger, and she was a
member of the PCCW of the Parish. In the early 80’s Clara said she was talked into taking over the local
Avon lady route in her area. She continued her Avon route until in 2019 at the age of 82 when she retired.
She loved her customers and visiting with them. Her love of crocheting found her making baby caps for
the Black River Memorial Hospital OB department, comfort shawls for Black River Memorial hospice,
and prayer shawls for St. Joseph Catholic Church. Clara remained in her home until 2023 when she
moved into Marrow home in Sparta, Wisconsin.
She is survived and loved by her seven children; Theresa (Craig) Rodenberg, Rose (Duane) Olson, John
(Connie) Smetana, Sue (Glenn) Miller, Trish Smetana, David (Ann) Smetana, and Patrick (Kris) Smeta­
na, her grandchildren; Emily and Erin Rodenberg, Wade and Justin Olson, Lexie and Zak Smetana, Cole
McPeak and Carly (Dustin) Dittner, Callie and Caleb Durman, Sophia and Julia Smetana, Elissa and Ad­
dilyn Smetana. Also survived by brother Louis Schlautmann of North Dakota, in-laws Fr. Joseph Smeta­
na, Genevieve Smetana, Jim (Rosie) Smetana, Lois Smetana and Rita Miles. She is survived by numerous
nieces and nephews from Wyoming and Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by both her parents, husband Paul Smetana, sisters Rita Lubken, Barbara
Schlautmann, and Lucy McMahon; brother Albert Schlautmann; brothers-in-law Bernard Smetana, Wil­
fred Smetana, Ike Miles, Tom McMahon, Willie Lubken, and sisters-in-law Mary Schlautmann, Elaine
and Mert Schlautmann and Irene Smetana.
A funeral service will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, on Sat­
urday, February 17th. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral mass to start at 11:00
a.m. with Father Arivu officiating. A burial and committal service will follow at the Komensky National
Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made out to the St. Joseph PCCW (Parish Coun­
cil of Catholic Women).