Clara Julia Kraus Saari, age 80, of Manistee, MI was called home by the Lord on July 17, 2017. She was born September 22, 1936 in Manistee, daughter of the late Ernest & Elizabeth (Mikolajczak) Kraus. She graduated from Manistee High School in 1955 and later attended Michigan State University where she earned a Master's Degree in Political Science.

Clara married Paul Harold Saari on November 11, 1961 at the Church of The Brethren in Onekama, MI. Paul preceded her in death on November 24, 1998.

She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee and devoted much of her life to serving her community. She had been a union steward for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, served on the Board of Directors of the Manistee County United Way and the Manistee Red Cross, as well as having served as a Trustee and Chairperson of the West Shore Medical Center Board of Trustees. Clara was a life member of the VFW Bear Creek Post #6333 Auxiliary, a Charter Member of the Manistee Eagles Aerie #1765 Auxiliary, a Life Member of the GFWC Lakeside Club in Manistee, and a supporter of 4-H where she started the companion animals leader dog program and was a Certified Trainer for Pet Therapy. She also had served on the boards of Manistee and Bear Lake Townships in various capacities. Clara was bestowed with many honors throughout her life: State of Michigan Trustee of the Year; received an Excellence in Governance Fellowship, Manistee County Volunteer of the Year, West Shore Medical Center Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year, and Manistee Lion of the Year. Clara loved sewing, gardening, traveling, and tiny toy poodles.

She is survived by 1 sister and 1 brother-in-law, Mary Exo and Thomas Bigalke, both of Traverse City, MI; a special nephew, Ronald Kraus and his family. Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive.

She was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Elizabeth (who died in infancy), Agnes Bigalke, Pauline Kraus; 2 brothers, Gordon B. Kraus and Ernest Kraus Jr.

According to her wishes cremation has taken place and funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee with Pastor Kevin McClain officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the time of her service.

A memorial for the Clara Kraus Saari Educational Trust has been established. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and will also be available at the church on Saturday, August 19 ^th .

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.