Clara Waldman

Clara Jean Waldman, 97, of Madison, SD, and formerly Aberdeen, SD, died Monday, January 5, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, SD.
Clara Jean Stappler was born on December 29, 1928, to Philip and Catherine (Binfet) Stappler in Onaka area, attended grade school there, and graduated from Onaka High School in 1946.
After high school, Clara attended Northem State College in Aberdeen for six weeks, earning a permit to teach school. She went on to teach at the Northwest Sherman Township School in Faulk County for three years prior to her marriage.
Clara was a hard worker from a young age. By the age of 15, she was shocking grain bundles, loading and pitching them into the threshing rig, and cooking for the hired help. She was also well known for her baking-- especially her chocolate chip cookies and pink frosted cookies, which were favorites of many. Thinking of Clara often brings fond memories and a mouth-watering reminder of her homemade treats.
On September 14, 1949, Clara married Pius Waldman. Together they raised three children: Deborah, Jack, and Mardell. Clara was a devoted member of St. John's Catholic Church, the Altar Socicty, and was a charter member of the Onaka American Legion Auxiliary.
At the age of 10, Clara learned to dance the polka, which became one of her favorite pastimes. She and Pius won numerous dancing trophies wherever they went and made many friends throughout the Midwest. Clara also raised a large garden, cared for chickens, and helped on the farm whenever needed.
Clara and Pius lived on the family farm for 60 years before moving to Aberdeen in 2010. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in 2018. Pius passed away in February 2019. Later that year, in August, Clara moved to an apartment in Hartford, South Dakota. Following health issues, she moved to an assisted living facility in Hartford in September 2021. In May of 2022, Clara moved to Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, South Dakota, where she resided until her passing.
Survivors include Deb (Lee) Rusher, of Gillette, WY, Jack (Judy) Waldman of Hartford, SD, and Mardell (Clancy) Cummings of Richfield, MN. Six grandchildren - Audra (Pat) Ritthaler, Gillette, WY, Wade Nickels, Pierre, SD, Jon (Brittany) Waldman, Madison, SD, Brianne (Ken) Lesner, Hartford, SD, Kelly (Matt) Case, New Prague, MN, Chris (Liz) Cummings, New Market, MN, 13 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and her brother Harvey Stappler, Myrtle Creek, OR and special niece Sandy (Del Stewart) Wanner, of Prior Lake, MN. She was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, 2 brothers, and 6 sisters.
Funeral arrangements by Spitzer Miller Funeral Home of Aberdeen. A memorial service will be held at a later date and a private burial will be at the Onaka cemetery.
In place of floral arrangements, contributions to the St. John the Baptist Cemetery Fund in Onaka, SD.