Claire Bagge

No One a Stranger, a Friend to All. She followed God’s commandment to “Love thy Neighbor”. Claire, the youngest of three daughters to Frederich and Elizabeth Uhl, was a constant light of joy. She was friendly in school and had so many friends that Don couldn’t get a date with her until she graduated high school and Don had finished 2 years of college. All he could do at football games was sit in the stands with the marching band and chant with the crowd “We drool for Claire Uhl (She was on the cheerleading squad).” After graduation, Claire pursued a nursing career and became a registered nurse, first working with newborn babies, which she really loved and then in hospital wards where the patients were touched by her kindred spirit and exceptional care. When they wanted to talk, Claire knew the secret of good conversation was to be a perfect listener. Claire and Don finally got together and were married in September 1952, three months before Don was discharged from the army. Claire at the time was an industrial nurse for Republic Aviation, who was making fighter planes for the Korean conflict. Upon being discharged, Don went back to work for Benjamin Moore Paint Co. They transferred to Denver in January 1955. In 1957, Don, Claire, David and Cindy joined Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church; a wonderful choice. HLSC followed that same commandment to “Love thy Neighbor” They became immediately involved. In the following years, Claire became a full-time stay at home mother to their four children. Between church commitments, the school activities of her children and family vacation times, Claire found and loved many friends and was certainly loved back. Along with her faith, her 65-year marriage to Don was the most important thing in Claire’s life. Claire was preceded in death by her parents, both sisters as well as a grandson, Thomas Matthew Doyle. She is survived by her husband Don, a son David Bagge, 2 daughters, Cynthia (Victor) Doyle, Daryl (James) Wotkyns and son, Douglas (Deanna)Bagge, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Please honor Claire’s memory by freely giving a simple gesture of welcome to others that forever change countless lives. Never be afraid to smile and say hello to someone you have never met and take a personal interest in them.