Clara T. Neshem, 93, Minot, formerly of Berthold died Friday, March 11, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.

Clara was born August 15, 1922, in Minot, North Dakota, the daughter of Halvor and Christine (Holmes) Haugeberg. She was raised on the family farm south of Minot and first attended a one room country school. Clara furthered her education by moving to Minot, living with her grandparents, and attending/graduating from Minot High School. With the desire to become a nurse, Clara became a member of one of the first classes at Trinity School of Nursing and graduated as an RN. For a brief period, Clara joined the Army and was stationed stateside during World War II. She then returned to Minot and worked at Trinity Hospital and Minot Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.

Shortly thereafter, Clara met her future husband, Henry (Hank) Neshem of Berthold. They married on May 28, 1947, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot. They moved out to the farm near Lonetree where she and Hank farmed and raised their family. Besides farming, Hank and Clara operated a custom harvesting business. The business provided employment for many high school and college students. Hank and Clara not only offered jobs but also valuable lessons in life such as having a good work ethic and the importance of life's principles. Of course, another benefit was Clara's wonderful cooking which was served with laughter and love. Clara had the ability to make something out of nothing and there was always a place at the table for whoever came to the farm at mealtime. The food always "stretched" as she would say. Not only could Clara cook a wonderful meal, she could sew and garden plus be the community nurse! Her nursing skills were well known in the community, and she tended to many medical issues over the years.

Clara was a child at heart with a contagious laugh and a smile that brightened every room. She loved to have fun so it seemed her home was always the place everyone gathered. The "city cousins" came every summer to play in the mud, climb trees, put on plays, and generally have fun. The special treat was a late night drive to Minot for A&W rootbeer floats. Her grandchildren soon learned that Gram's home was a place to have fun for hours and maybe get into a bit of mischief without getting into trouble. Clara was accepting and loving to everyone she met. There were no strangers, only new friends where a place at the table was waiting.

Because of Hank's position in the National Association of Wheat Growers, Clara had the opportunity to travel worldwide as the wheat representative for farm wives. She used her speaking skills and warm personality when visiting with other farm women around the world. At home, Clara loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She treated each one of them as very special individuals and surrounded them with love, faith, and guidance giving them the desire to be the best they could be. Now Clara's grandchildren will pass this on to their children.

After Hank died in 1993, Clara remained on the farm. She was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church and enjoyed the church ministries and outings plus socializing with her many friends. Eventually, Clara moved to Minot and continued to enjoy the many friends and family who were nearby. In 2013 she became a resident of Somerset where she continued to enjoy entertaining and visiting with the many residents. Earlier this year, Clara moved to Trinity Nursing Home due to declining health; however, her smile continued to brighten everyone's day.

As Clara peacefully took her last breath, the room filled with the sound of chimes ringing. Clara had smiled at God.

Her loving family includes, children, Roger (Cheryl) Neshem, Berthold, Priscilla (Dennis) Colvin, Marietta, GA, grandchildren, Ginger (Bill) Quam, Roger E. Neshem, Lisa Neshem (Nick Stromme), April (Miles) Mettler, Jennifer Colvin, Lauren Colvin, and Colleen Colvin; great grandchildren, Kirby & Kendall Quam; Henry, Blake, & Boone Mettler; sisters, Blanche Harkison, Minot and Nora Pederson, Kokomo, IN; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 46 years, Hank; infant son, David Garth Neshem, brother, Cap Haugeberg and sister, Hazel Pettys.

Funeral service: Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold, ND

Interment: Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold, ND

Visitation: Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold.