Anna Fleming
November 08, 2011
She was born Anna Clara Blazek (but called “Clarine” by her parents) on April 20, 1923 to parents Charles and Naomi Blazek. Born at her parent’s farm near Prescott, Iowa, she was the oldest of seven children. She attended the country school, sometimes riding on horseback to get to school. When she reached high school, Clarine moved to Creston and lived with family to attend Creston High, where she graduated in 1941.
After working for a time in Creston, she moved to Des Moines and shared an apartment with other girls who had come to the “city” to work. She worked for a time at Methodist Hospital, and later took a job with American Optical in downtown Des Moines. It was there that she met her future husband, Stanley Morris. They eventually starting dating, and, after Stanley met her family back at the farm and earned the approval of her father and brothers, they married on September 1, 1945.
Their first daughter, Marsha, was born in Des Moines. A few years later, they moved to Westminster, Colorado, outside of Denver. Daughter Susan was born in Denver. They moved for a brief time back to Des Moines, then to a rented farm house outside of Maquoketa, Iowa. They enjoyed several years on the farm, where Clarine was in her element, gardening, canning, enjoying the various animals that shared the farmstead.
They moved back to Des Moines in 1957, and remained there. Stanley passed away in 1977, and Clarine maintained the house on her own.
She took a job with the State Conservation Commission (now is the DNR), where she met her second love, Les Fleming. Les and Clarine married in January, 1983.
Starting with their honeymoon trip to Hawaii, Clarine and Les enjoyed travel, the numerous trips taking them around the world. Their travel destinations included China, Russia, Africa, Tahiti, New Zealand, Brazil, Costa Rica, Alaska, and their special place, Hawaii.
Clarine is survived by husband Lester, daughter and son-in-law Susan & Terry Jordan, daughters Marsha Lassiter, and Colleen (Jack) Slaughter and siblings Betty Maeder and Edward (Marilyn) Blazek. Clarine is also survived by many grand and great-grand children, step children, nieces and nephews
Preceding her in death were her first husband Stanley Morris, her parents, brothers Chuck and LeRoy Blazek, sisters Barbara Maeder and Colleen Banks.
Organizations
• Des Moines Quilt Guild – Clarine sewed garments all her life, but only starting quilting about 25 years ago. She took classes and joined the Des Moines Quilt Guild, where she volunteered to help at the shows and activities.
• Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) – She joined following her marriage to Les, and was an active and committed member for all the years, attending and participating in the many meetings and activities.
• American Legion Auxilary. A member with the Williamsburg, Iowa auxiliary which she supported long-distance.
Birthday / anniversary cards – Clarine didn’t just send cards when she remembered to – she had a complete “system” of reminder dates, scheduled mailing dates, codes to indicate the cards had been bought and sent. Clarine will be remembered at countless birthdays by those of us who received her many thoughtful cards over the years.
Volunteer activities – outside of the regular work with OES and with Masons, she volunteered for many years with the Blood Bank, and most recently made bi-weekly visits to the Courtyard Estates home to polish the nails of the elderly resident ladies.
Clarine passed away peacefully on November 8, 2011, at the Taylor House hospice in Des Moines
Jennifer Lankford VanKerckvoorde
11/11/2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Anna was a beautiful lady with a giving spirit. I loved the way her smile lit up the room every time I saw her. How could such a BIG hug come from such a little woman! Anna was always there for my mom and was a true friend. I will never forget her help with my wedding and the interest she showed in my children and me. I was blessed to know her.
Priscilla Reha McClelland
11/10/2011
Our sympathy to all of you at this time of sorrow. Clarine was a wonderful lady.
Dwayne and Priscilla McClelland
Jack and Jo Cook
11/10/2011
Clarine Fleming was a true lady, in every sense of the word. She had such a kind, and caring soul. She always put other before herself. She always made us feel special, as she always wanted to know how we were doing and would ask about our children and grandchildren. We will miss her loving ways, and motherly caring that she always showed toward us.
wade sheeler
11/10/2011
Clarine was a special lady. She was always so kind and caring to all those that she met and knew. She will be greatly missed.