Clara Margaret Schlemmer

Clara was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, on April 24, 1946, to Walter and Dorothy (Beaudrie) Holzhueter and grew up in Lincoln Park. While working at Allied Supermarkets in Livonia, she met Dennis Schlemmer, the man who would become her husband and lifelong companion. They were married on July 31, 1976, and shared more than 46 years of marriage before his passing in 2023.

Clara worked for Target for more than 20 years before retiring. In 1998, she was named Store #280’s Hero of the Year, an honor that reflected the kindness and willingness to help others that she showed throughout her life.

Above all else, Clara loved her family. She was always there to support and encourage her children and took tremendous pride in her family, especially her children, grandson and great-grandchildren. She was happiest when everyone was together, whether for a holiday, a meal or simply an ordinary day.

Clara was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for more than 15 years and a Life Member of Conroy-Renye-McNeil VFW Auxiliary 4422 in Taylor. She never held an office, but she didn't need a title to be involved. She could often be found volunteering, participating in events and enjoying the company of the many friends she made through both organizations.

She loved cooking, traveling, trips to the casino and keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. She also dearly loved her dogs, especially Lance and her beloved Princess.

Clara and Dennis enjoyed many trips together throughout their marriage. After Dennis passed away, time with her children became even more precious. She looked forward to Sunday drives with Annette and enjoyed outings with Dennis to museums, the casino and other places where they could simply spend the day together. She also enjoyed traveling with her children and continuing to make new memories with them.

Clara will be remembered for her glowing smile and her kind and loving heart. She had a warmth about her that drew people to her, and those who met Clara rarely remained strangers for long. She loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.

Clara is survived by her children, Annette (David) Richter of Dearborn, Michigan, and Dennis of Taylor, Michigan; her grandson, Kyle (Kayla) Newbert of Fenton, Michigan; her great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Aubree, Bentley and Emerson; her sister-in-law, Susan Holzhueter of De Soto, Kansas; her brother-in-law, Jeff Schlemmer of New Port Richey, Florida; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis; her dear son, David Newbert; her parents, Walter and Dorothy Holzhueter; her brothers, Lowell and Walter Holzhueter; her sister, Carol Ray; her brother-in-law, Mike Ray; and her sister-in-law, Debbie Schlemmer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 11, 2026, at Conroy-Renye- McNeil VFW Post 4422 in Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Clara’s memory to Seedlings Braille Books for Children or Michigan Humane.

Clara leaves behind a family who adored her, countless friends who will remember her smile, and a lifetime of memories filled with love and laughter. There is comfort in knowing that she is once again reunited with her husband Dennis and the loved ones who went before her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.