Clara Jeanette Kiel

Clara Jeanette Kiel (De Vries), age 93, went home to be with her Savior on August 26, 2026. She was the ninth child born to Albert and Anna (Vanden Berge) De Vries on February 22, 1933, in Corsica, South Dakota. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Kiel, on January 24, 1951, in Harrison, South Dakota. Robert and Clara lived in a home built by Robert and started raising their family. They remained in South Dakota until 1953 when they moved to Lynden, Washington.

Clara’s devotion to her family was shown by her fierce love for them and her number one priority in making her home warm and welcoming for all. She worked side-by-side with her husband Robert in various successful business ventures including Kiel Construction Company, Kiel’s Pools and Spas, and Kiel’s Farm Equipment. Clara served in various capacities for her church, enjoyed being part of Campus Crusade for Christ ministries, and the Women’s Bible Study Fellowship group.

Clara delighted her children, grandchildren and friends with wonderful smells coming out of her kitchen from the many sweet treats she baked, various kinds of soup she made, and meals that she loved to prepare. She was passionate about sewing and embroidery work that she gifted to family and friends including quilts, clothes, blankets, potholders, and many other items that were cherished by all. Clara will be remembered for her kindness and generosity to others, always enjoying time chatting with family and friends, and her unwavering love for Jesus.

Clara is survived by her daughters Laura Smit, Linda (Lynn) Vander Yacht, JoAn (Chris) Steiner, son Harlan Kiel, sister-in-law Jean Kiel, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Anna De Vries, her siblings, husband Robert Kiel, brother-in-law Lester Kiel, daughter Leslie Kiel, and grandson Ryan Kiel.

Please join family and friends for a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 1:00 p.m. celebration of life service at Grace Baptist Church, 338 N Park St, Lynden, WA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christian Health Care Center at 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sig’s Funeral Services. Please share your thoughts and memories of Clara online at Sig’s Funeral Services website www.sigsfuneralservices.com