Clara Quill

Clara Quill, 76, of Onalaska, died unexpectedly on the morning of December 23, 2016, at the La Crosse Franciscan-Mayo Hospital.

Clara Bertha Quill was born on July 15, 1940, the daughter of John Homer and Margaret (Thomas) Snively. Clara grew up on the family farm in Southwestern Ohio, between the Towns of Yellow Springs and Xenia. She always had fond memories of these years on the farm and country living. Clara graduated from Xenia High School in 1958.   She went on to the Ohio State University in Columbus, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education in 1962. Clara then taught in Wickliffe, Ohio, and in Inglewood, California. She received a Master’s degree in educational administration from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, in 1969. In the summer of 1969, Clara met the love of her life in James Michael Quill, and they were married in Delaware, Ohio, on August 29, 1970. They started married life in South Bend, Indiana, where Clara taught school , while her husband earned a Doctor’s degree in history at the University of Notre Dame.   In the summer of 1974, Clara and Jim moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin with Jim employed as a college professor for some years, and later started a sporting goods business, while Clara was a substitute teacher in the area for the next 40 years, also taking an active role in the business.

Clara loved the outdoors, gardening, camping, traveling the state for trade shows, actively participating in local political activities, and her Ohio State Buckeyes.

Clara and Jim were blessed with forty-six years of marriage, were inseparable, having common interests, and doing everything together. During recent years, with her husband constantly at her side, Clara waged a courageous battle against the effects and consequences of crippling arthritis.

Clara was predeceased by her parents, an infant sister Alice, and brother, Frank Snively.

She is survived by a brother, Wayne (Linda) Snively of Newberry Springs, California, a sister Emma Dixon (Larry) of Delaware, Ohio, a sister-in-law, Sue Snively of Buena Vista, Colorado, a brother-in-law Joseph Gedeon of Glendale, California, and a sister-in-law, Ann Porter (William) of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Clara will be held on Tuesday evening, January 10, at 6:30 P.M. at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home , 1501 West Avenue South, La Crosse, with visitation beginning at 5:00 P.M.   Reverend Ted Dewald will   officiate. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be made to a charity of choice in memory of Clara Quill.