Clara Kurek

Clara Kurek was a woman who exemplified all the wonderful things a mother should be. She was patient, caring and generous with her time; she never thought twice about going out of her way to help someone who needed her. Family meant everything to her. Not an overly demonstrative person, Clara never sought attention for herself, but rather concerned herself with the well being of others. A woman who loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and creating loving memories with her family, Clara was both blessed by and a blessing to those she loved.

1917 was a year filled with fear and conflict as the United States declared war on Germany officially starting World War I. As millions of Americans passed ominous signs depicting Uncle Sam, encouraging young men to join the armed services, the U.S. was also battling a worldwide flu epidemic that claimed the lives of over 500,000 Americans. Despite the tragedy the year brought, for Michael and Stephanie Piechocki of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it brought a blessing when their sixth child, Clara, was born on January 19th. Sadly, Clara’s mom died 8 years later in childbirth, leaving her father to raise 9 children on his own.

Clara grew up on Jennette Street NW in the quiet neighborhoods of Grand Rapids. Her father supported their family working at Michigan Chair Co., while Clara attended school at Stocking Elementary. She and her siblings were all very close, and together they sought solstice from their chores, having fun at Ramona Park near Reeds Lake. Like many young girls, Clara baby-sat to earn some extra spending money.

Clara’s life took a new direction when her brother, Al, introduced her to Thomas Kurek, whose sister worked with Al at General Motors. The two began dating, going to Ramona Park and the movies. Clara even taught Thomas and his brothers how to polka dance. Hopelessly in love, Clara and Thomas were happily married in 1935, at St. James Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds then settled into married life together in a house on 12th Avenue in Ottawa County.

Because of her placement in her sibling lineup, Clara often felt neglected by her family after her mother died. After marrying, she had the opportunity to learn from Thomas’s mother everything she needed to know to be a good housewife. Over the next several years, Clara and Thomas filled their hearts and home with the joy, laughter and busyness of 13 children, 11 of which lived in the house at the same time. Raising 13 children is a challenge for any family, but Clara was able to utilize her vast talents to make sure the house ran smoothly. She sewed many of the children’s clothes, and even made her own flannel diapers. Clara was also a wonderful cook and baker, especially her apple pie and homemade bread, which she often gave to family and friends. Her oldest daughter, Barbara, remembers sitting on a blanket in the basement as a child with a few of her other siblings while her mom washed clothes on a wringer machine, all the while singing “you are my sunshine” to them. To feed their large family, Clara grew all kinds of vegetables (and flowers) in her huge garden, much of which she canned and froze for the winter months. Her sons also fished in Sand Creek or a nearby pond, and whatever they brought home, she fried up for dinner. How Clara found the time and energy to do what she did is a testament to her commitment to her family. A true “mother hen,” Clara worried over her children, and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. Robert Ek grew up across the street from the Kureks and later married the oldest daughter Barbara; he fondly described Clara as his “real” mother. She was truly a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth.

Clara and Thomas always worked as a team when it came to their family (though Clara liked being the “Queen” of the house). While Clara worked at home, Thomas supported their crew working at Kelvinator, and later Continental Motors. He would then come home and watch the older children so Clara could get her work done. Traveling wasn’t ever possible, and whatever the sacrifice, the children always had gifts for Christmas. Going to church all together was not possible either, so Thomas usually took as many kids as could fit into the family Studebacker to Mass at St James Catholic Church. When their oldest daughter Barbara was in high school, Thomas helped her buy a reliable car so she could take her younger siblings to school (probably in shifts, since there weren’t suburbans in that day). There were children around the Kurek house for many years. In fact, Clara became a grandmother in 1958, and then had 2 more sons of her own. In the whirlwind of life’s busyness, Clara and Thomas took time once a week for just the two of them to go to the movies together.

After 47 wonderful years together, Clara lost her beloved husband, Thomas, in 1982, after a heart attack. Although very hard working, Clara had to force herself to be more self-sufficient by learning to drive and buying a tractor to take care of the lawn. She was very close to her sister, Wanda, and they began spending more “girl time” together, shopping and having lunch too. Although school was never Clara’s favorite activity, she was very smart and enjoyed doing puzzles, spelling and had great penmanship. Thomas was the one who instilled the value of education in his children, and 5 of them went on to college.

Clara was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, who, through her commitment to her family, redefined the concept of unconditional love. She had a full, caring heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence. She will be dearly missed.

Clara G. Kurek, age 94, of Tallmadge Twp., MI passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2011, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; great-grandson, Kevin Booms; and several brothers and sisters. Clara is survived by her 13 children: Barbara (Robert) Ek, Beverly Hilaski, Margaret Kurek, Thomas (Ann) Kurek Jr., David (Marie) Kurek, Joan (Len) Dill, Susan (Chuck) Booms, Timothy (Linda) Kurek, James Kurek, Jonathon Kurek, Marybeth (Ken) Kurek, Mark (Lisa) Kurek, and Matthew (Cindy) Kurek; 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Margaret Anisko.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 21, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with her family from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 20, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Holy Spirit Building Fund. Please visit Clara’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or photo with her family and/or sign her online guest book prior to arriving at the funeral home.