Clara Gertrude Efta, 84, of Red Lake Falls, MN died on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN where she had resided since 2004.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls with Father Chuck Huck Officiating. Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery at Terrebonne.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 5 " 8 PM with a 7:15 prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Sunday.

Clara Gertrude Efta was born August 12, 1925, the daughter of James Jake and Lucille (Morsek) Hanke. She was raised and attended school in the Swanville, MN area.

On November 19, 1946 she was united in marriage to Louis Al Efta at Little Falls, MN. They lived and brought three sons into the world in Greenbush, MN. In 1959, they moved to Terrebonne, MN where they farmed and continued raising their family. Clara worked at various places in the area to support her family. Following their retirement, the couple made a full time career of fishing and spending time at their cabin in Spring Steel Island on Lake of the Woods. They also made three trips to Alaska to pursue the ultimate fishing. Clara was a great cook and would cook anything Al brought home and was always ready for a good card game following the meal.

Clara enjoyed fishing with her husband and anyone else who would join her. She was a master seamstress. She enjoyed time with her friends bowling, playing cards, and winning at the casino. Following Als death, she led a secluded life, but she always looked forward to visits with family and friends. Do you remember the last time you caught a fish, played cards, or shared a smile with Clara?

She is survived by her three sons Lou (Mary) Efta of Argyle, MN; Cary Efta of Thief River Falls, MN and Pat Efta of Red Lake Falls, MN: 12 grandchildren Joseph Efta, Jacob Efta, Joshua Efta, Jedediah Efta, Amber Efta, Kasia Efta, Louis Alex Efta III, Angela Efta, Alexander Chris Efta, Jarohmia Efta, Dustin Efta and Celia Silly Efta: 11 great-grandchildren Mercedes, Jules, Lexi, Liv, Earl Ray, Gavin, Sonja, Kasandra, Jonathon, Alize, and Aryk, one aunt Marcy Kalinowski, 3 sisters in law Irene Hanke of Stacyville, IA, Irene Walters of Kansas City, MO, Theresa (Ernie) Vatthauer of Red Lake Falls, MN and 3 brothers in law Ray (June) Efta of Greenbush, MN, James Efta of Greenbush, MN and Ed Efta of Greenbush, MN along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Al, both brothers John Hanke and Donald Hanke, and grandson Ricky Efta.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Sherry Knott
CANTOR: Gladys LaCrosse
CASKET BEARERS: (Claras Grandchildren) Joseph Efta, Jacob Efta, Joshua Efta, Jedediah Efta, Amber Efta, Kasia Efta, Louis Alex Efta III, Angel Efta, Alexander Chris Efta, Jarohmia Efta, Dustin Efta and Cecilia Efta