BIOGRAPHY

Clara Wenzelburger was born in Allegheny City’s 11th Ward in Pennsylvania, USA, on 6 July 1906, to parents John Frederick Wenzelburger (1861–1945) and Anna C. Knecht (1876–1938). Her father was a German immigrant from Württemberg, and her mother was of French descent through her own father. She had four siblings: Alvin George Wenzelburger (1898–1977), Freda Magdalena Kramer (1900–1989), Marie Goodale (1913–1973), and Edna A. Kinkopf (1917–1985).

Her father was a skilled carpenter employed by the Pressed Steel Car Company. Shortly after her birth, the family moved from the North Side to McKees Rocks so he could be closer to his work at the Pressed Steel Car plant in Presston. For most of her life, Clara worked at the Joseph Horne Department Store, where she eventually became the head of the needlework and notions department.

At 107 years old, when asked about the secret to her long and healthy life, she attributed it to her family’s history of longevity. However, with a laugh, she added that never marrying might have been the real key.

Clara Wenzelburger passed away on 2 April 2017, at the age of 110 years, 270 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Eli Logan and Jimmy Lindberg, and validated by LongeviQuest on 27 March 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Clara Wenzelburger celebrates her 107th birthday” – Allegheny, 2013

* CLARA WENZELBURGER Obituary – Legacy Remembers, 4 April 2017

* Clara M. Wenzelburger – Find A Grave

GALLERY