Clare Hinman Mesmer, 90, of North Platte, Nebraska, died on April 11th, 2024 at Great Plains Health. Surely heaven’s chorus is sounding more vibrant for it. She was born in 1934 to York and Helen Hinman in North Platte, Nebraska. She involved herself in church activities, Jobs Daughters, Camp Fire, and 4-H in which she won trips to the State Fair in music, sewing, and cooking. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1952 where she was active in many activities including vocal and instrumental music.
Clare graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She was president of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and involved in many campus organizations including Mortar Board Society. She sang in many groups, including the First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln. On July 14th, 1956, she married Theodore Joseph Mesmer in North Platte. Their family grew as they raised three children: Elizabeth, John and Helen Ann. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She taught for 5 years in North Platte as a speech pathologist, then later for 4 ½ years for ESU 16. Her community activities included: P.E.O. Chapter EB, Junior Women’s Club, Goodfellow Shoe Fund, an organizing member of the Chamber of Commerce Hostesses, a Campfire leader for 10 years, and a Boy Scout den mother. If she wasn’t sewing badges onto uniforms, she was organizing activities and outings, and corralling neighborhood kids to play and eat at 814 W. 2nd. She made that house a home where all were welcome. Quite frequently, the home was stuffed with family feasting in the formal dining room with the kids eating in the backroom. The roaster was going, the stovetop was full and the oven was hot. Mesmers, Armstrongs, Hinmans, Reeds, and Carters came, watched the Huskers and reveled in the joyous, rambunctious atmosphere of family loving each other.
In 1979, the family moved to Gallup, New Mexico, where they owned/operated a Holiday Inn. Instead of being intimidated by the new environment, Clare dug in and taught us one of the most valuable lessons she could have: bloom where you’re planted. In Gallup, she became a member of P.E.O. Chapter T. She embraced the culture and people of New Mexico so wholly, her Navajo friend and husband hosted a ceremony in honor of her family. She ensured we experienced all aspects of the Four Corners area and tribal life (as much as we were welcome to) and made sure we respected other customs and traditions. She was asked to help with the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial jewelry show, in which she almost knocked Robert Redford over. She hosted many friends and family in which she embraced the local cuisine whole-heartedly, even after she mistook jalapenos for green chilis in a recipe. In 1983, the family moved to Taos, N.M., still involved with Holiday Inns. She was a Girl Scout leader and helped at the hotel wherever possible. The family bought a half-built property in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in which she transformed into a large, comfortable home in which many visited and enjoyed her hospitality. When times became tough, Joe went to Mesa ahead of her and she ran the Taos hotel until we were ready to join him in Arizona. In Arizona, Clare taught for 15+ years, retiring on 5/30/2002. She was a beloved member of P.E.O. Chapter AL in Tempe, AZ. She had her Realtor license as well served as a tour guide for a short period of time for Pointe Resorts. She loved the arts community and went to countless musicals and plays. She saw the Monet, Keith Haring, Annie Leibowitz exhibits, and many others and made sure we each could see them as well. When we attended the opera (whether in Santa Fe or in Phoenix), she would have us read the libretto so we’d understand the plot.
In 2005, Clare and Joe returned to North Platte. She demitted to P.E.O. Chapter EB, was involved as a hospital volunteer, and served as president and a buyer for Goodfellow Shoe Fund. She also spent time reading, playing bridge, and sewing. However, she was happiest spending time with family and friends. She loved watching Megan grow and succeed and she thrived under Megan’s care during the pandemic; she was care-taker to Tony and championed him as he grew healthier and became a young adult; and welcomed Nastia from shores afar and beamed with pride as she became a United States citizen.
Survivors include her children: Elizabeth (Boone) Dailey; John (Natalia) Mesmer; and Helen-Ann Mesmer; her grandchildren: Megan (Brittney Ogborn) Dailey, Anastasia Barmina (Arman), and Tony Mesmer; and her beloved sister Jeannie (Butch) Armstrong, Fred (Pam) Mesmer and Dick Reed, along with an abundance of nieces and nephews who all shared in her hospitality. Clare was especially loved by furrgrands Walter, Kyiv, and Frankie. Clare was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; their infant son Theodore Joseph; her parents York and Helen Hinman; her in-laws Fred and Anne Mesmer; sister Diane Reed and brother Bob Hinman; and innumerable dogs who all knew her spirit was magical. Family suggests memorials to the Goodfellow Shoe Fund.
Services are Thursday, April 18th, at 11am, Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with luncheon at The Moose following.
When you smell lilacs, remember Clare in all her accepting ways.