SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, Observing 96 Years of Catholic Faith, 1904-2000, P89

Clara Reifenrath

Clara was born June 10, 1886, the youngest child of Gerlach and Mary (Schmidt) Reifenrath. She received her education at the Parochial School in St. Helena. She played the organ at the St. James Church. She took care of her mother until she died in 1918. She then kept house for priests. Later, she became the housekeeper for Archbishop Edward J. Hunkler for 32 years. She died at his residence in Kansas City, Kansas in April of 1968.

Clara donated much money and articles to the parish. She also donated 1/2 acre of land with the cottage of it north of the church, to the parish in 1964.

Clara was the last of the living descendants of the Gerlach Reifenrath family, who were pioneer settlers in the Brookey Bottom area of Cedar County. She was buried in the cemetery adjoing the church of SS. Philip and James.

SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, Observing 96 Years of Catholic Faith, 1904-2000, P89

Clara Reifenrath

Clara was born June 10, 1886, the youngest child of Gerlach and Mary (Schmidt) Reifenrath. She received her education at the Parochial School in St. Helena. She played the organ at the St. James Church. She took care of her mother until she died in 1918. She then kept house for priests. Later, she became the housekeeper for Archbishop Edward J. Hunkler for 32 years. She died at his residence in Kansas City, Kansas in April of 1968.

Clara donated much money and articles to the parish. She also donated 1/2 acre of land with the cottage of it north of the church, to the parish in 1964.

Clara was the last of the living descendants of the Gerlach Reifenrath family, who were pioneer settlers in the Brookey Bottom area of Cedar County. She was buried in the cemetery adjoing the church of SS. Philip and James.