Claudia Marie Spaulding

Claudia Marie Spaulding, age 89, entered into eternal life on Friday, July 31, 2026, peacefully and without suffering, exactly as she had hoped. She was welcomed into the loving arms of the God who created her and joyfully reunited with the Communion of Saints who had gone before her—especially her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Spaulding, whom she had longed to see again since his passing 19 years ago.

Claudia’s greatest joy was never found in recognition or material things, but in the people God entrusted to her. She was the devoted mother of six children, the proud grandmother of 25, and the cherished great-grandmother of 31. She was also a beloved aunt, neighbor, friend, and quiet servant whose kindness touched countless lives. She lived with extraordinary humility, unwavering faith, and a heart that reflected God’s love to everyone she met.

Born on May 28, 1937, Claudia was the younger of twins, born alongside her lifelong best friend and sister, Paula, to Claude and Virginia Thelen. After losing her mother as an infant, Claudia was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Albert and Agnes Thelen, spending the school year in Whitefish Bay and her summers in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Her childhood was filled with both adventure and accomplishment. She was as comfortable excelling in the classroom as she was outdoors helping build family log cabins, fishing, and log rolling. She attended St. Monica Catholic School and graduated from Messmer High School, where she was both Homecoming Queen and an outstanding student.

After attending Messmer, Claudia met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Spaulding, a young electrician who grew up in Marshfield. Together they built a beautiful marriage rooted in faith, laughter, and unconditional love. They were blessed with six children—five sons and one daughter—who became the center of Claudia’s world.

Throughout her life, Claudia embraced every role with grace. She began her career at Oster in Glendale before serving as secretary for the family business, Spaulding & Sons Electric. Later, she worked for the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), where her warmth, dedication, and quiet competence made her beloved by everyone who knew her.

Retirement only allowed Claudia to devote even more of herself to serving others. For decades she faithfully volunteered at St. Bernadette Parish, her home parish since 1966, where she became known for her generous spirit and willingness to help wherever she was needed. Her years of service were recognized when she received the parish’s Volunteer of the Year Award, an honor she accepted with her characteristic humility.

More than any award, however, Claudia’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely. If she had written this obituary herself, she would have wanted every friend, neighbor, parishioner, cousin, niece, nephew, and stranger whose life crossed hers to know they were loved. She had an extraordinary gift for making every person feel seen, welcomed, and important.

Claudia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Spaulding; Son-in-Law Tim Griswold, Grandsons Clint Griswold and Nathan Spaulding, and Great Grandson, Randol Wessel. Her parents; Claude and Virginia Thelen; Grandparents; Albert and Agnes Thelen; Sisters Mary Williams, Nancy Voboril, Ellen LeVeque, Carol Van Blarican, Paula Taylor; and her brother, Fr. Bert Thelen, S.J. We take comfort in knowing that the joyful reunion she had anticipated for so many years has finally come.

She is lovingly survived by her six children: Richard (Monica) Spaulding, Robert (Karen) Spaulding, Randol (Amy) Spaulding, Renee (nee Spaulding) (the late Tim) Griswold, Ronald (Clare) Spaulding, and Rodney (Susan) Spaulding, along with her 25 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, at St. Bernadette Parish, 8200 W. Denver Ave., Milwaukee, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Claudia’s remarkable life at a luncheon immediately following the Mass. Graveside committal service will be Tuesday, August 18, at Resurrection Cemetery, 9400 W. Donges Bay Rd., Mequon.

In lieu of flowers, Claudia requested that memorial donations be made to the St. Camillus Jesuit Community or to St. Bernadette Parish—two communities that were so deeply woven into her life of faith.

Those who knew Claudia know that she would leave us with one final reminder: love one another generously, forgive quickly, serve quietly, and trust completely in God’s promise that we will one day be together again.

Until that joyful reunion, her love lives on in every life she touched.