Clara L. Close

Clara Close, 91, Rockford, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2013 after a long illness. She was born in Rockford on October 29, 1921; the daughter of Stephen and Josephine (Kusick) Odorski. Clara had the opportunity to attend Rockford Central High School, being in its final graduating class: 1940. She married Thomas Close in Rockford. He preceded her in death in 1987. Clara was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church where she was a Lady of St. Bernadette and a member of St. Bernadette Senior Association.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Kortendick; nephews, Fr. Steve Kortendick of Columbus, WI, Tom (Marilyn) Kortendick of Barrington Hills and Mike (Joanne) Kortendick of Denver, CO; niece, Kathy (Jeff) Thorsteinson of Cedar Rapids; great- nephews, Patrick, Chris, Nick, Greg, Dan and Matt. Predeceased by her parents; husband, Thomas; brother, John Odorski; sisters, Helen Odorski and Rose Odorski; brother-in-law, John Kortendick and nephew, John William Odorski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church 2300 Bell Ave. Visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernadette Catholic Church. To extend condolences visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com