Clara E. PooreMukwonago, WisconsinClara E. Poore, 93, of Mukwonago, WI, formerly of Springfield, died at 3:25 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital in Waukesha, WI.Clara was born on July 14, 1924 in Gray, IA, the daughter of Raymond and Fannie Brainard Ditzenberger Kester. She married Wesley Poore on June 22, 1948 in Audubon, IA. He preceded her in death on March 1, 2008.Clara graduated from Audubon High School. For three years during World War II, she taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Iowa. She attended two years at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, studying textiles, design, and journalism. Her studies helped fuel her life-long love of writing, and creating arts and crafts. A self-described slow eater, she met her future husband Wesley, the waiter at her college dining hall who patiently waited for her to finish before he could clear the table. They were married for nearly 60 years. For many years they lived in Cedar Rapids, IA, where their children were born. They moved to Springfield in 1965, and became members of Laurel United Methodist Church. Clara sang in the Chancel Choir for over 40 years. She was a member of the Clara Swain Circle at church, the Springfield Ceramics and Craft Club since the mid-1960s, and a member of Illinois Association of Wheat Weavers. Clara and Wesley were active in the local chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War, serving as officers several times. Clara never met a craft she didn't like, learn, or master. She excelled in sewing, oil painting, dried flower arranging, straw marquetry, wheat weaving, paper quilling, and making pine needle baskets. She also enjoyed playing the piano and violin. She started her own craft business, Wheat 'n Flower Designs, selling gift items and holding numerous classes in communities and schools. Clara's artwork won several ribbons at the Illinois State Fair and was displayed in Lincoln's Home. She was profiled in the book Illinois Artisans and Craftsmen. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Warren Kester and Dale Kester; and sister, Mary Savage.She is survived by her sons, Dwight Poore of Madison, WI and Ralph (Elizabeth Twardowski) Poore of Bloomington; daughters, Ellen Poore of Springfield and Carol (John) Ferraro of Mukwonago, WI; grandchildren, Amanda Poore (Shiva) Horiuchi of Tokyo, Japan, and Kristen Twardowski of Durham, NC; siblings, Marjorie Christiansen of Wyoming, Frances (Don) Heuton of Iowa, and Clark (Rose Ann) Kester of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30th at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday September 30th at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield, with Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling officiating.Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Ex-POW National Headquarters, PO Box 3444, Arlington,TX 76007-3444. The family of Clara E. Poore is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.