Claire Paige Bawek, 85, of Austin died at Austin Medical Center Sunday afternoon, Nov. 29, 2009, with her loving family present.

She was born Sept. 10, 1924 to Carl and Edna (Paige) Nelson in Austin, where she grew up. After completing her education, Claire became an employee of Geo. A. Hormel & Company. She married Robert William Bawek on Sept. 29, 1944 in Austin and raised their five children. Claire retired after 30 years in the dairy pack (bacon) department. A lifetime member of the Moose Lodge and Queen of Angels, she was a Twins fan and also enjoyed knitting, reading and trips to Vegas.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Robert; daughters, Nancy (Richard) Haney of Austin, Sue (Bruce) Marlin of Rosemount, JoAnne (Michael) Goodnight of Buffalo Center, Iowa; sons, Ronald (Fay) Bawek of Coon Rapids, John Bawek of Dillon, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirlee Diedrich of Adams, Faye Harrington of Austin; brother, Donald (Mary) Nelson of Austin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kenneth, Robert and Harold.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home, Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home Thursday. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery, Austin. The family prefers memorials to Queen of Angels Catholic Church or Pacelli High School.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.