Clara E. Brecht, 81, of Owatonna, died Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Clare Bridge in Owatonna. Clara was born August 14, 1928 in Elkton, Virginia, the daughter of Ralph and Cordelia (Fridley) Eppard. After graduating from Elkton High School in Virginia, Clara attended Berea College in Kentucky. She was united in marriage to Charles Brecht on April 14, 1952, and the couple resided in Minnesota Lake. In 1966, Clara and Charles moved to Edina to raise their children. Seven years later, they moved to New Ulm. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona, and in 1996, Clara and Charles settled in Owatonna. Charles later died in 1998. Clara directed numerous community plays in Minnesota Lake. In 1952, she and Charles were instrumental in starting the annual Festag celebration in Minnesota Lake, which is still going strong after 58 years. They also helped organize the Minnesota Lake Centennial Celebration in 1966. For the centennial, Clara wrote a book titled 'The History of Minnesota Lake'. Later Clara was a Teacher''s Assistant at Edina High School. While her children were in college, she worked in Charles'' New Ulm pharmacy, chaired the New Ulm Diocesan Council, was the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce Executive, and the first Membership Coordinator for the new Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. After she retired, Clara continued to direct community plays and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Dean) Carpenter of Purcellville, Virginia; son, Charlie (Deb) Brecht of Waterville; six grandchildren, C.J. Brecht, Tim Brecht, Sarah Carpenter, Keara Carpenter, J.D. Carpenter, and Daniel Carpenter; great-grandchild, Colton; brother, Sam (Sue) Eppard of Elkton, Virginia. Clara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; sister, Naomi Fillmore; granddaughter, Christine Mary Brecht. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-7 PM and at St John the Baptist Catholic Church Minnesota Lake, MN on Friday from 10-11 AM. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11 AM at St John the Baptist Catholic Church Minnesota Lake, MN with Father Mark McNea officiating. Interment will be in the St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Minnesota Lake. Memorials are preferred to Steele County Clothesline, the Steele County Food Shelf or Berea College. Visitation: 07/29/2010 17:00 07/29/2010 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 07/30/2010 11:00