Fern Schmauss, 94

 

Jan. 19, 1923 —
Aug. 24, 2017
 
CRESCO -  Fern Ida Schmauss, age 94, of Cresco, Iowa,  died on Thursday,  Aug. 24, 2017, at Hawkeye Care Center in Cresco. 
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, with Pastor Elaine Siemsen officiating. Burial will be held in Oak Lawn Cemetery at Cresco. Visitation is from 12-2 p.m. before the service at the church. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home, Cresco, is assisting the family.
Fern (Blomgren) Schmauss was born on a farm near Cresco on Jan. 19, 1923. She grew up on the family farm with her three brothers and three sisters. She was proud to be the only one in her family able to graduate from high school. During World War II, Fern remained on the farm and helped in any way  she could to ensure the farm was successful.
On Nov. 21, 1945, she married Frederick J. Schmauss at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple farmed for many years near Lime Springs, Iowa until they retired to Cresco. Fern worked hard to raise their four children. When needed, she  helped care for nieces and nephews. She was involved in the daily operation of the farm, putting in long hours to care for the livestock and milking cows.
Fern loved to garden, growing many vegetables to can and freeze for the family. She especially enjoyed her flower garden, with its beautiful blooms in a wide array of colors. In the summer, the garden was always a bright spot along the road between Lime Springs and Cresco. She continued the love of gardening even after retiring to Cresco.
After retiring from farm life, Fern became involved with the Girl Scouts and served as a leader. She became a member and supporter of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years.
Although there weren’t nearly enough opportunities, Fern liked to travel and see different parts of the country. She had numerous hobbies over the years. She enjoyed cross stitch, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, embroidery and crocheting. 
Fern crocheted more than 500 afghans, with some going to family members, and the rest she donated to charities. In the last few years, she enjoyed adult coloring books, bingo and playing Farkle with family.
Family has always been important to Fern and she treated everyone she knew as though they were family.
Fern’s survivors includes her children, Judy Schmauss of Cresco, Bonnie (Duane) Peter of Georgetown, Texas, David (Barb) Schmauss of Eagle Grove, Iowa and Phyllis (Tom) Stevenson of Cresco; 10 grandchildren,  Douglas, Julianne, Jasmine, Daniel, Kevin, Kyle, Malissa, April, Bradley and Joseph; 20 great-grandchildren, Kier, Nilayah, Naser, Nadia, Naila, Victoria, Hunter, Logan, Jocelyn, Sawyer, Tymberlyn, Tatum, Thomas, James, Joshua, Rebekah, Haley, Olivia, Blake, Lathan, Brooklyn and Frederick; three great-great-children, Alexis, Zoey and Ayden; and one sister, Violet Pederson of Mabel, Minn, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick J. Schmauss; her parents, Elmer and Ida Blomgren; three brothers, Harold, Marvin and Lyle Blomgren; two sisters, Gladys Hart and Lillian Bujan; and one “granddaughter,” Amanda Peterson.
In memory of Fern, donations may be made to the local American Heart Association, local American Diabetes Association or a local charity of the donor’s choice.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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