Klara H. Brownson

TRAVERSE CITY — Klara, who died Friday, August 15, 2008, was born November 4, 1916, in Hazingen, Germany, the daughter of Richard and Veronika Hauth. Her father died during World War I. Klara came to Utica, New York on March 25, 1923. Her mother died on March 25, 1925, in Utica. Klara was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Caroline and Andrew Zoller shortly before her mother died.

Klara attended Utica Schools, entered training at St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, and spent several semesters at Syracuse University.

Klara served her country as an Army nurse during World War II from November 3, 1943 until January 17, 1946 when she was honorably discharged. She came to Traverse City in 1947 and worked for the Thirlby clinic for 32 years.

On May 18, 1991, she married Dr. Kneale Brownson who preceded her in death on May 13, 2000.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, and listening to music, especially opera recordings.

Klara is survived by stepsons Kneale Michael, Paul Joseph, Robert Charles, and many cousins in Germany.

According to her wishes a memorial service will take place at St. Francis Church in Traverse City on September 3, 2008 at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Utica, New York.

The family wishes to thank Klara's friends especially Cleo Cavitch, Carol Harrigan, Jean Martin, and Kim Schaub for assisting Klara through the years.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.