Clare J. Coulthard
1926 – 2011
Clare John Coulthard, son of Clarence William and Winnie Jane (Cooper) Coulthard, was born November 29, 1926 on the family farm northeast of Elgin, NE. He was baptized on September 28 1928 at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Oakdale, NE. Rural Elgin remained his childhood home. Clare’s early education was received through a rural Antelope County School.
As a youth he attended the Methodist Church and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1944 he graduated from Oakdale High School. After attending college in Norfolk and Wayne NE he chose to continue his education in Dallas TX. While completing courses at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science he also received his pilots license. He then returned to Wayne NE as an employee for Beckenhauer Funeral Home.
Throughout his life Clare had many achievements to be proud of but on May 25 1950 was his most cherished as he was joined into marriage with Elsie Bernita Benthack. This was the beginning of a genuine life partnership. The couple left Wayne in 1951 to become owners and operators of the funeral home in Lynch Nebraska. While in Lynch, Clare also became a self-employed carpenter.
Scottsbluff NE became the Coulthard’s new home in 1956 as they became partners and operators of the Benson-Coulthard Funeral Home. During this time Clare was a member of Kiwanis, Masons and the Presbyterian Church.
After many years as a successful professional, he chose to seek new challenges. The desire to be challenged led him and his family to Chambers NE. Ranching and custom baling were two of his many endeavors before returning to his roots and beginning his career as a Holt County Farmer. Clare actively continued to farm until he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007.
Clare passed away at his home near Chambers, NE on Thursday, February 17, 2011, at the age of 84.
Clare is survived by his wife Elsie of Chambers; 2 daughters: Christiana Coulthard-Childers of Ainsworth, NE; Cathlina Frederick and husband Jim of Amelia, NE; 8 grand-children: Andrew Childers of Glendale, AZ; Zoelle Childers of Chambers, NE; Vickie Giedd and husband Jesse along with their children Connor & Jaidynn of DeSmet, SD; LeAnne Schaaf and husband Bill along with their children Haily, Ashly, and Brinly of Atkinson, NE; Wayne Frederick of Lincoln, NE; Weston Frederick and wife Hannah of Lyons, NE; Margaret Frederick of Amelia, NE; and Russell Frederick of Amelia, NE.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lettie Jean (Coulthard) Koinzan and Tom.
Funeral services were 1:30 p.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Elgin, NE with Revs. Michael Davis and Janice Farrell officiating.
Music was provided by Joanne Anderson, pianist. Pallbearers were Wayne, Weston and Russell Frederick, Bill Schaff, Andrew Childers, Jesse and Conner Giedd.
Interment followed in the Oakdale Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com.
