Clara Belle "Granny" Kalkofen, of Summit Lake, died on March 13, 2023 at Friendly Village Nursing Home in Rhinelander. She was 96 years old. She was born on November 27, 1926 in Summit Lake, a daughter of George and Emma (Riemer) Diemel. She married Howard Kalkofen on June 26, 1948. He preceded her in death on October 18, 2018.

She was a graduate of Elcho High School, class of 1944. Clara Belle worked on the Tri-County Planning Board for over 20 years. She was the first woman in Wisconsin to be a chairman in a township and held that position in the Town of Upham for eight years. She won by write-in ballots. She was also the town health officer and volunteered on the Elcho Fire Department for many years. In 1976 she helped form the EMT squad in Elcho and Summit Lake and was a volunteer for 30 years.

Clara Belle had a passion for hunting and fishing with her friend Bev. She was an excellent cook for her family. She enjoyed painting and was always on a bowling team. Clara Belle was an amazing woman who was known as "Granny" by not only her family but also the community.

Survivors include three sons, Howard "Gene" (Vickie) Kalkofen, Jr. of Rhinelander, Errol Kalkofen of Summit Lake, and Dee Kalkofen of Summit Lake; a daughter, Linda Piller of Summit Lake; sevengrandchildren, Jennifer (Paul) Raatz, Phillip Kalkofen, Amanda (Kyle) Larson, Nia (Jason) Ebert, Hunter (Taylor) Kalkofen, Hallie Kalkofen, and Johhny (Elexis) Jensen; nine great-grandchildren, Zachary, Samantha, Abby, Madison, Kallie, Knyt, Axel, Hank, Hudson, Brantley, Colton and Rip.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Violet Bucker, Lillian Ricther, Margie Mach, Lila Van Duser, Mrytle Green, and Ardis Jones; and a brother, Earl Diemel.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Elcho with Rev. Paul Radke officiating. Burial will take place in Lakeside Cemetery in Summit Lake in spring. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home and Friday at 10 a.m. until the time of service at St. Luke Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. Luke Lutheran Church of Elcho.