Clara Ann Volesky, 94, died peacefully at her home on January 8, 2023 from natural causes, surrounded by her family. Clara Ann Buresh was born in Dickinson, North Dakota on October 27, 1928. She was the youngest of eight children born to Frank and Barbara (Marsh) Buresh. Clara spent her childhood living on the family farm northeast of Belfield, ND. She graduated from Model High School in Dickinson.
Clara married the love of her life, Robert J. Volesky on October 6, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They moved to the “Schwindt” farm north of Dickinson, where they resided until the farm was destroyed by a tornado. Then they moved to the Buresh family farm and raised their eight children there.
Bob and Clara worked hard all their life to provide for their family and Mom was the heart of the home. She was a great homemaker. She loved to have company and was a wonderful cook and baker. She was well known for her poppy seed kolache, caramel rolls, other breads and many other Czech recipes. Clara taught many family members and friends how to make “hooch”. She loved attending the homemaker’s group with the neighborhood ladies, doing crafts, quilting, sewing and crocheting. She was an avid gardener and loved to grow flowers, especially roses and lilies. Clara loved putting together jigsaw puzzles. Her favorite pastime was playing cards – and winning!
When Bob’s health declined after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, they moved off the farm in 1981 and moved to Columbia Falls, MT, fulfilling a dream of living in the mountains. Later they moved to Billings and finally Helena in 1998. She became Bob’s dedicated caretaker along with their youngest daughter, Denice until his death in 2005, after 58 years of marriage.
After Bob’s death, Denice continued to live with Clara. They had many years together traveling, cooking, entertaining, gardening, and living a life of faith and devotion to God.
As Clara’s health began to decline, Denice never wavered in her devotion to her mom. They were the best of friends, partners in mischief, and a beautiful example of what it means to live a selfless, Christian life. We, as Clara’s family, are forever grateful for our sister, Denice. The family would also like to thank Stacey for her devoted love and care for Mom. Without her help, we could not have kept Mom at home all these years. We are forever grateful. We will miss Mom dearly, but Clara has truly earned her heavenly reward, and we raise our glasses of hooch in her sweet memory as we say, “Until we meet again!” We love you, Mom.
Clara is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, brothers Bill & Genevieve, Tony and Gertrude, Frank, Josie and Catherine; sisters Vicki and Laudie Pirkl, Cecilia and Harold Black, Emma and Willard Jaeger, Rose and Henry Sadowsky; in-laws Charles and Pat Volesky, Ella and Robert Sadowsky, Dorothy and Herman Hauck; Edwin Volesky, Bill Volesky, Betty Jane Volesky, Linda Volesky and Marian and Ray Froelich.
She is survived by her eight children; Marvin (Nancy), Carol (Jeff) Butsch, Annette (Tom) Goicoechea, Marian (Howie) Ficek, Jeff (Ida), Kathy (Steve) Ilse, Denice and Doug (Joannie). 24 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-great Grandchildren; her in-laws Irene Volesky, Marcia Volesky, Tony and Bev Volesky, Alfred and Cele Volesky, Ben Weigel, Frank and Sue Volesky, Bridget and Tom Glaser and Joe Volesky.
A Public Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 with a Rosary beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass starting at 12:00 p.m. at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Following the service, the family welcomes everyone to join them at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral, 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena for a Reception which will begin at 1:30 p.m. The Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery, at the Pavilion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SS. Cyril & Methodius Renovation Fund, PO Box 1110, East Helena, MT 59635.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena,
Funeral Service
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
,
Reception
Tentatively 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Burial
3:15 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena,
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena,
Funeral Service
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
,
Reception
Tentatively 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Burial
3:15 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena,
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Rick (Richard) Buresh says
Farewell to a neat lady, my Aunt Clara, my most senior member of my extended family. Rick Buresh
Kathleen Kostelecky says
May God Bless all of her family today and always. She was just the sweetest and kindest.
Bernard and Charlotte Ficej says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom is now a special angle watching over her family!! Remember all the wonderful memories and cherish each one.
Bernard and Charlotte Ficek says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom is now a special angle watching over her family!! Remember all the wonderful memories and cherish each one.
Marlyn Mackenzie says
Denice and family,
Sincere condolences to you on the loss of your sweet Momma Clara. Always a smile on her face, always a twinkle in her eye. What wonderful memories you must have of a life full of faith, love and kindness. God Bless and keep you.
Marlyn
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Denice
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a nice person. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Candy Lien says
What a lovely, kind and godly woman! She was my Confirmation sponsor, and how could I ask for a better one? I have only great memories of her, so many happy times spent on the farm. God bless you all! Candy (Anderson) Lien
Rachel Volesky says
Sending so much love to my family and extended family for the loss of Clara. She was always so sweet, pure, and an absolute pleasure to be around. She will me so missed! God Bless!
Donna wise says
Oh Denice, God comfort you as you grieve the loss of your mother. No matter how much time we have with our loved ones its not enough.
Bev and Dean says
We will always remember her kindness. Reflect on those wonderful memories. She raised awesome children.
We will light a candle at our church in Clara’s memory.
Christine Sadowsky Bishop and family says
All our thoughts and prayers are with you today-wish we could be with you to celebrate Aunt Clara’s life. My memories of Aunt Clara were that she was such a gentle, sweet soul. I remember that she always had that sweet smile and a great giggle. We had a lot of her wonderful meals and great fun at the farm by Southheart. We are with you in spirit today.
Lynn Sogard says
Thinking of you during this difficult time!
We all loved going out to the farm near Southheart growing up! Aunt Clara was an awesome cook and always ready for a game after dinner! My parents (Dorothy and Herman) enjoyed living next door to Clara and Bob and I loved bringing my girls to meet them. Clara’s garden was a thing of legend and her roses are still growing today. Pete and I visited Denise and Clara several years ago and seeing Clara’s puzzle skills got me reinterested I doing puzzles. I finished one today so cheers Aunt Clara!
Denise, you are amazing in taking such good care of both of your parents! Next time NDSU comes Frisco, you always have place to stay!
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you! Love, Lynn and Pete Sogard
Scott St. Clair says
Denice, My thoughts are with you. Scott
Diane Gunderson says
Denice, so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a great lady and loved being with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Diane