Clare was born on September 5th, 1933, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, IA – She always said she was born a Hawkeye and would die a Hawkeye. She was adopted by George and Agnes Bastendorf and was raised an only child in Waterloo, IA. She graduated from Our Lady of Victory Academy in 1951, earning a proud academic scholarship to Clarke College in Dubuque, IA. Shortly after, she began building her family with Jerry Mattox in St. Paul, MN, until 1954 when they moved to Marshalltown, IA. Their family would eventually grow into a legacy of 6 children, 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and countless dogs – It’s still a debate to which group she loved most.

In raising her family, it was often the school of hard knocks with Clare, and yes – the kids and grandkids were told many times how she had to eat pig’s brains in the post-depression era and had nuns force her to use her right hand instead of left. With that, she was genuine to a fault and felt no need to sugar coat anything. Clare had an extensive vocabulary, both intellectually and of the blue variety, which led to the nickname “Byrd” as evidenced with her custom license plate. She provided words of wisdom and encouragement to keep the family in line, and gave us all something to live by and pass along to future generations.

Clare was a businesswoman ahead of her time in the transportation industry. She worked at Boss Lines for a number of years before becoming an owner and officer at Midland Transportation for over 40 years. In a male dominated line of work, she was never afraid to make sure her voice was heard and tell you like it is – all while sporting incredible fashion with a Doberman at her side, even at work!

Clare had a full life. Outside of family and work, she was busy rescuing and loving dogs, traveling the world (especially fond of her travels to Ireland, “The Homeland”), playing bridge, bowling, golf and being a fashionista. Clare was a founding member of St. Henry’s Church, a friend of Bill and a member of the hospital auxiliary. She was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye, St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings fan. If you didn’t find her watching sports, her TV was set to the History channel or Jeopardy to continue her love of learning.

Clare leaves behind an Iowa Hawkeye cheering, Irish heritage loving and raucous family that she was very proud of. She is survived by her 6 children: Michele, Denise, Mark (Mary), Mike (Pam), Gregg and Dave (Leah), along with daughter-in-law Carol Sealine.

She was lovingly referred to as “Gma” by her 16 grandchildren: Colleen Grote, Clare Wischler, Colin Mattox, Natalie Gulbranson, Laura Wieck, Breanna McFarland, Merideth Kroll, Monica Wright, Sarah Mattox, Hailey Mattox, Joel Mattox, Kara Slagle, Jerry Mattox, Tyler Mattox, Grant Mattox and Rachel Mattox, and 18 great grandchildren: Madeline and Olivia Grote, Silas McIntire, Cadence and Owen Gulbranson, Jordy, Anya and Ella Wieck, William, Matthew, Teddy and Nora Wright, Mason and Brody Mattox, Avery, Skylar and Saylor Slagle and baby boy Mattox to be born in January 2022.

The family would like to give special thanks to Pam Wells and staff at Glenwood Assisted Living and Megan Mann and Sheryl Foster at Iowa River Hospice for their extraordinary care. In lieu of flowers, Clare’s wishes were memorials go to the Marshalltown Animal Rescue League, Muscular Dystrophy Association or Alcoholics Anonymous.

Mass will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi – St. Henry Catholic Church. Visitation will be Sunday, November 28, 2021, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service to follow at Anderson Funeral Homes. Internment will be held at Riverside Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.