Claire Lynn Nendza, 71, passed away Oct. 10, 2018, at Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington.
She will forever be honored as one amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She definitely left an imprint on those whose lives she was a part of. She was born in Lyons on June 14, 1947, to Marvin and Shirley Kinney. She grew up in Lyons and graduated from Burlington High School in 1966. She married Kenneth Edward Nendza on Nov. 30, 1968. Following their marriage, she first resided in Lake Geneva and then Williams Bay before finally settling in Delavan. She was employed by the Wal-Mart in Delavan for the past 14 years. She had a great love for animals, was a beloved child caregiver, enjoyed fishing with her family and friends, watching football, bowling, playing cards, bird watching, Suduko, cooking shows and painting ceramics.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Nendza Sr.; son, Kenneth (Joyce) Nendza Jr.; daughter, Denise (Steve) Nendza; grandsons, Kevin (Ashley) Nendza, and James Watschke; granddaughter, Makenna Nendza; great granddaughter, Willow Nendza; eight sisters, Lorretta Merten, Marjorie Heiligenthal, Marie (Gene) Sween, Annette (Dave) Schuler, Patricia (Kenneth) Dade, Maxine (James) Clausen, Peggy (Charles) Nendza and Virginia Frederick; four brothers, Marvin (Sharon) Kinney, William (Tammy) Kinney, Harvey Kinney and Jeffrey (Jayne) Kinney; two sisters-in-law, Virginia (Jack) Caceres and Bonne Jane; and two brothers-in-law, Andrew (Dolor) Nendza and Paul Herber.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Shirley Kinney; twin sister, Clairese Kinney; parents-in-law, Andrew and Mary Nendza; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Herber, and brothers-in-law Richard Heiligenthal and Edger Merten.
She meant so much to so many people and the family invites all who loved her to join them in a celebration of life gathering from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at 25 N. Wisconsin St. Darien.
She did not want a formal type of service. Her wishes were for a simple gathering to share moments we remember with each other. There will not be a set time where we stand in front of a group to speak. Guests can come anytime between 1 and 7 p.m. to visit and share memories. In lieu of flowers, feel free to bring a dish to share if desired.
Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lake Geneva is assisting the family.
