Kathleen S Candell, 96, of Eau Claire died Friday, January 20, 2012, at Sacred Heart Hospital, surrounded by her family. Kathleen was born in Eau Claire on January 12, 1916, to John & Ora (Breunig) Schaaf. She spent her entire life in Eau Claire. She attended St Patrick's grade school and high school, graduating in 1934. On September 19, 1938, she married William J. Candell. When they were married, they built their home at 1503 Menomonie St. in the Shawtown area where she lived her entire married life. She and William had 9 children, all of which live in Eau Claire, except for one. Even though she had a large family, she was very active. She was past president of the St James PCCW, Eau Claire Catholic Woman's Club & Eau Claire Deanery. She was bookkeeper for the Candell Electric family business. She also served as a permanent member of her class reunion committee. She had a great mind for remembering family and Shawtown history and was always willing to share her knowledge with anyone who asked. She loved traveling. She made several trips to Ireland to visit her husband's first cousins and spent many winters in Hawaii with friends. She continued keeping in touch with the Irish relatives even after her health prohibited her from traveling, often making 15 to 20 phone calls a month to Ireland. She also traveled to Spain, Italy and England. She remained very close to a small group of classmates from grade school. One of them, (Eileen Rud), whom she talked to daily from the time they went to 1st grade together until Eileen passed away this past November. Larry Smith is now the only surviving member of this tight knit group. Kathleen is survived by her children, W. Stephen (Linda), Michael, Kathleen (Paul) Lecher, Patrick (Linda), Bill, Gerald (Patricia), Timothy, Jeanne (Gary), Mark (Patty); daughters-in-law, Patricia Candell and Jeneen Candell. She is further survived by 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Luciann Coushman, Sally Young, John Schaaf, Georgeanne Clark, Charles Schaaf, William Ek, Kathryn Bredemus, and Mary Jacobs. She was proceeded in death by her husband, William (1991); a son John (at birth); her parents, John and Ora; her brothers, Douglas and Gerald; sister Lucille Schaaf Geissler; 3 daughters-in-law, Beth, Nancy and Bea; grandson, Jon Candell; and great-grandchild, Gracie Candell. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2012, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. in Eau Claire with Father John A. Schultz officiating. A Public Prayer Vigil will begin at 3:30 p.m. with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2012, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home WEST CHAPEL, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.

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