Clara Skinner

Clara G. Skinner, 97, of Varna Ill., died on August 11, 2021 at Lacon Rehab and Nursing in Lacon I. Born on October 28, 1923 in South Boardman Michigan to the late John and Grace (Sturwold) Terpstra, she married Richard Skinner in River Grove in 1948. Richard died in May 1989.

Throughout the years Clara worked as a secretary and receptionist in the insurance industry, in later years Clara loved to be a house sitter for the rich and famous in the north shore area of Chicago. Clara was a member of the Calvary Bible church and helped in activities, was an avid racing fan with her husband being a stock car racer when the boys were young and her love of watching NASCAR when she was older.

Clara is survived by her sons Richard (Cathy Cook) Skinner of Varna, Jay Skinner of Varna, Robert Skinner of Mosinee Wisc.; siblings Ed (Chris) Terpstra of Glenn Ellyn, Jim (Norma) Terpstra of Roselle, Terri Hall of Hoffman Estates, Alice (Tony) Cadera of Oswego, George (Sharon) Terpstra of Huntley, Hank Terpstra of Michigan; Grandchildren Kelly (Jack) Heller of Merrill WI., Scott Skinner of Mosinee WI, Leah (Brad) Sayad of Plainfield, Il, Melissa (Sam) Ibrahim Buffalo Grove Il. Robert Skinner of Carpentersville, Rick (Jamie) Skinner of Mosinee Wisc., Shannon Skinner of Varna, Kyle Skinner of Wenona, Jim Cook of Washburn, Susan (Bill) Shwartz of Wenona, and 13 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by brothers David & John Terpstra and grandsons David & Jeffery Skinner.

I may not be present, but this isn’t goodbye. When you look to the sun I hope you see my smile. My heart is full of love and I know yours are too. when you think of me remember the wonderful times I shared with all of you. Dinners, sports, laughter, and tears, we had so much fun in my 97 years. Don’t be sad because I’m gone, I never truly will be. I’ve just moved to heaven, where my husband Rich greeted me. I know this is hard, these things always are, but I’m still with you in the beat of your heart. Our bond will never be broken, our love will always be strong. Don’t let yourself think otherwise, you would be wrong. Wife mother grandmother I’ve done it all. I’ve even traveled to Colorado and have seen mountains so tall. I know it will be sad, these years we are apart, but this isn’t my ending this is just a new start.

Funeral services for Clara will be held on Monday, August 16 at 11 AM at Calvary Bible Church north of Lacon. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Cremation rites will be accorded and private family burial will be at Memorial Estates in Northlake Ill. on a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Bible church and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

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