Clara L. Grall

Clara L. Grall

January 25, 1936 – September 13, 2022

Clara Lucille Frankovich Grall passed away peacefully on September 13, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Originally from a large family in Manistique, Michigan, Clara moved to Illinois to pursue a career in nursing – graduating from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in 1957.

It was in Rockford that Clara met and married Dick Grall. Together they had three children: Linda, Lori, and Larry. They joined St. Bernadette’s church where Clara met many friends and remained an active member until the end.

Kind and generous Clara was never happier than when she had a houseful of family. She gladly complied with her grandchildren’s requests for her famous chicken noodle soup or cinnamon bread. She cherished the nickname “GG” (Great-Grandmother) and the moments spent squeezed around the table, talking and laughing until late in the evening.

Clara will be remembered by her numerous friends and family for her thoughtfulness and her strength. Always thinking of others, Clara sent cards for every birthday, anniversary, and holiday and called daily to check in on her friends and relatives. Even as a patient in their care, she made sure every nurse and caregiver knew how much she appreciated their efforts.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Richard (Dick) Grall, parents Nick and Frances Frankovich, and siblings Nick, Joe, Angela, Johnny, Barbara, Phyllis, and Paul. She is survived by her children Linda Wessel, Lori Mack, and Larry Grall (Ellen), her grandchildren Molly Andrews (Rob), Eric Mack (Samantha), Evan Mack (Alicia fiancée), Sarah Grall, and Lucas Grall; great-grandchildren Olivia Mack, Connor Mack, Ophelia Andrews, Eleanor Mack, and Greyson Andrews; siblings James Frankovich (Laurie), Mary Gonder (Wayne) and sister-in-law Kathy Frankovich; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Jana, Angie and all the staff of OSF Hospice for their dedication, care, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to OSF Hospice.

A visitation will take place on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N Rockton Ave., Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will continue at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24th, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave, Rockford, Illinois until the time of funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery’s Mausoleum in Winnebago. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com