Clara M. Trautman

Clara M. Niess Trautman, 88, Jamestown, N.D. died Monday, December 30, 2002 at Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Home in Jamestown, N.D.

Clara Mathilda Siegle was born October 6, 1914 in Lehr, N.D., the daughter of Gottfried and Mathilda (Erbele) Siegle. She grew up near Streeter, N.D. and attended school at Streeter. She worked on the family farm.

She married Jacob Niess on January 1, 1935 in Tappen, N.D. They farmed south of Tappen, until his retirement in 1969 when they moved to Jamestown. She helped on the farm and raised the young Niess boys. They were active members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Tappen. Jacob died on February 15, 1982.

She married Christ Trautman on May 31, 1986 in Jamestown, N.D. They continued to make their home in Jamestown. Christ died on October 3, 1992.

She lived at the Gardenette for one year, then at the James House before entering the Rock of Ages on June 27, 2002. She entered Hi-Acres Manor on December 10, 2002.

Clara was a member of Jamestown Evangelical Church, a member of the prayer chain and supported missions. She was a homemaker most of her life. She enjoyed crocheting, crafts, growing flowers, and gardening. Her mission in life was to serve the Lord.

Clara is survived by three sons, Marlin (Wanda) Niess, of Argusville, N.D.; Vernon (Deann) Niess, Turlock, CA; Calvin (Linda) Niess, Mandan, N.D.; three daughters, Loretta (Edwin) Hieb, of Jamestown, N.D. Harriet (Calvin) Bender, Valley City, N.D.; Arllys (Kurt) Altenbach, of Racine, WI; one step son, Harold (Mary) Trautman, Jamestown, N.D.; three stepdaughters, Lorraine (Steve) Wenass, Carrington, N.D.; Norma (Wesley) Fish; Savage, MN; Carol Cannon, of Jamestown, N.D.; 21 grandchildren; 16 step grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 25 Step great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; three sisters, Erna Rieker, Bismarck, N.D.; Lorraine (Louis) Gonsalves, Antioch, CA; and Evangeline (August) Correia, of Isleton, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, lst husband, Jacob Niess, 2nd husband Christ Trautman; one infant son, a son Clayton; 2 brothers (Gideon and Elmer), 2 sisters (Pauline Rieker and Irene Kramlich), 2 granddaughters, and 1 great granddaughter.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. - Friday, January 3, 2003 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church - Jamestown, N.D., with Pastor Bryce Tahran officiating.

Prayer Service; 7:00 P.M. - Thursday, January 2, 2003, Eddy Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, N.D.

Visitation: Thursday, January 2, 2003 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, N.D.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens - Jamestown, N.D.