*2016* Clara Purdy CLASSMATE 08.19.16

Clara Ann (Purdy) Gustafson was born on February 29, 1948, in Alexandria, Minnesota to Charles and Agnes (Mrnak) Purdy. Clair was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She attended school in Alexandria through the eleventh grade.
Clair was united in marriage to Richard Gustafson on June 11, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. To this union the couple was blessed with four children: Rich, Mike, Tim and Tracy. Clair was a homemaker and the rock of the family. She worked at D'Michael B's for the last 22 years as the dishwasher and cleaner earning the name "Clair Bear". She also worked in housekeeping at Super 8. Clair worked hard to provide for her family and would do anything for them.
Clair had three parrots that she loved, along with her dog, Gypsy. She enjoyed watching classic movies like Dark
Shadows and Frazier. Clair was a really good cook and baker and made the best beef jerky. She also enjoyed meeting at the Depot for Bargo. Most of all, Clair loved being with her family, especially spending time with her granddaughter, Pearl whom she named "Stink Pot".
Clair died on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Sanford South University Hospital in Fargo, ND at the age of 68. She is survived by her sons, Rich, Mike and Tim (Serena) Gustafson and daughter, Tracy (fiancé, Randy Gertner) Gustafson all of Alexandria; grandchildren, Mike Trahms, Samantha Gustafson, and Pearl Gustafson; two new born great-grandsons; brothers, Alvin and Charles Purdy both of Alexandria; half-sister, Frances Fox of Yankton, ND; brothers-in-law, Elverne (Ona) Gustafson of Benson; nephews, Jessie, and Joey; and niece, Shannon Purdy. Clair is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Agnes; and husband, Richard Gustafson.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Reverend Geoff Gronewold officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Interment was at Benson City Cemetery in Benson, MN.