Funeral services for Betty Ann Hundley, 75, of Russell, Iowa will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.
Betty Ann (Moore) Hundley was born December 4, 1946, in Chariton, Iowa to Donald and Nadine (Shipman) Moore. She grew up in Chariton, graduating from Chariton High School. Betty married Charles Hundley and the couple was blessed with three children: Connie, Donnie, and Gary. Charles passed away 17 years ago. Betty later met Marty Conrad.
Betty worked as a caregiver at the Lucas County Health Center as well as a nursing home in Princeton. She loved to care for others and was a very giving person.
Betty enjoyed the outdoors, especially going camping and fishing. Baking cakes was a favorite for her as well. She loved to bake cakes and spend time with her family as she had a great love for them all, especially her grandkids. Betty had a love for cars, especially fast cars. She named every vehicle she ever owned, and even named some of her boys’ vehicles. She enjoyed the races as well as watching the mud trucks.
Betty will be dearly missed by her children: Donnie (Mindy) Hundley and Gary (Desiree) Hundley; 6 grandchildren: Josh, Cody, Kaitie, Clayton, Shyanna, and Paige Hundley; 3 great grandchildren: Caeden Hundley-Keller, Carter Hundley, and Nevaeh Hundley; and sister, Jo Rankin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Nadine; husband, Charlie; daughter, Connie; brother, Jerry (Jan) Moore; infant brother, Jackie Moore; and long-time companion, Marty Conrad.
46 - May 2, 2022ecember 4, 1946 - May 2, 2022December 4, 1946 - May 2, 2022
Ricky Paul Schramm, 69, son of Donald Ervin and Mary Alice (Hilliard) Schramm was born in West Chicago, IL on February 18, 1953. He departed this life on April 13, 2022 in Chariton, IA.
Ricky lived in West Chicago until 1960 when his mother moved to Chariton. During his school years he returned to West Chicago and graduated from West Chicago High School. Ricky enjoyed being a truck driver and later worked for a company that moved various buildings in the Chicago area. Afterward he worked for his father at Schramm’s Body and Fender Shop. During this time, he married Barbara Patton to which two sons were born, Ricky Jr. and Christopher, and adopted son Tommy. The couple later divorced. He found love again with Doreen Moldenhauer and had two more son’s, Bobby and Douglas. After his father’s death Ricky returned to Chariton where he loved taking his boys fishing and having them involved in Little League.
He worked at the Chariton Machinery Auction and loved learning how to drive the various farm equipment. He always wanted to be on a farm. On Saturday nights you would find him at Reed’s Auction, helping and talking to people. Later he enjoyed showing his 2001 Ford Ranger in various car shows, winning many trophies and awards.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, sibling Donald E. Schramm, Doreen Moldenhauer and his dog Jack Jack.
Survivors include his sister, Debra Graham of Chariton, sons, Thomas Reedus of Chariton, Rick Schramm of Batesville, IN, Christopher Schramm of Chariton, Bobby Schramm of Knoxville, IA and Douglas Schramm of Chariton. Grandchildren Katelyn and Anthony Schramm of Clarksville, TN and uncle Larry Hilliard of Tucson, AZ. And a host of loving relatives and friends.
Burdette Harvey Werts, son of Harvey Roger and Artie Olive (Lewis) Werts, was born on January 16, 1927, in Russell, IA. He passed away on March 28, 2022, at Corydon Specialty Care in Corydon, IA at the age of 95.
His family lived in Imperial, NE for 4 years from 1928 to 1932, before returning to Russell. He graduated from Russell High School in 1944. He then served in the Navy from 1945 to 1946. He married Lois LuVina LaFavre on June 20, 1948, at A Little Bit O’ Heaven in Davenport, IA. Together, they had one son, Brent Lee, born on June 1, 1954. Burdette’s adult life was spent farming. He started with his father in Lucas County, establishing their own farm in 1959 in Wayne County. Brent joined him in farming in 1975, and Burdette later shared the work with his grandsons and great-grandsons.
Over the years, Burdette served as a Union Township trustee, Wayne County FHA Board member, and was a faithful member of Millerton United Methodist Church. Burdette and Lois enjoyed attending Rathbun Country Music Theater for 35 years. They also spent 27 years wintering in Edinburg, TX, at Citrus Mobile Park. He enjoyed reading and watching Western Movies as well as joining friends for coffee at least once if not twice most days. In 2017 he moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Chariton.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Brent and Judy Werts of Chariton, IA; four grandchildren: Jana (Ryan) Rogness of Urbandale, IA, Brad (Bridget) Werts of Corydon, IA, Jayma (James) Sims of Burlington, IA, and Brian (Lauren) Werts of Urbandale, IA; eight great-grandchildren: Evan and Leona Rogness; Bryant and Braden Werts; Juliana, Jenessa, and Joella Sims; and Veronica "Ronnie" Werts; sisters-in-law Charlotte Werts of Fremont, NE and Deloris Werts of Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burdette is preceded in death by Lois, his loving wife of 66 years; his parents; in-laws Trace and Ethel LaFavre; sister Wilma and husband William Strait; brothers Dean and wife Ruth, Roger, and Dale; and sister-in-law Evelyn and husband Russell Mikesell.
Dwayne E. Davis, 80 years, 2 months, 21 days old, went Home to be with His Lord and Savior on March 26, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.
Dwayne was born January 5, 1942 in Newton, Iowa. He was the son of Lloyd and Rachael (Evans) Davis. He attended and graduated from Russell High School in 1960.
Dwayne was a U.S. Marine Veteran and served for his country from 1961 to 1965.
On May 12, 1968 Dwayne and Lora Kay Hall were united in marriage at Iowa City, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Harold and Sherry.
Dwayne was owner and operator of Davis Tire and Wheel in Ava for over 25 years. He worked alongside his wife, Lora Kay in the business.
He was a member of the Ava Assembly of God Church for several years. He also served as a Gideon with the Douglas County Camp for years and was a member of the Troy Herd American Legion Post 112. Dwayne enjoyed horses and his cattle. His pride and joy was his family. He adored his grand and great grandchildren.
Dwayne’s passion was spreading the gospel through Gideon’s International and loved the opportunity to speak at area community churches.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Andy Simatovich, and several of Lora’s family members that have gone on to Heaven.
Dwayne is survived by his wife, whom he called Katey, two children and their spouses; Harold & Marcia Davis and Sherry & Mark Blakey, four grandchildren and their spouses; Chad & Laura, Brooke & Adam, Kelsey & Dustin, Mark Weston & Kala; six great grandchildren; Bentlee, Maddi, Emma, Lucas, Peyton and Blayke; a sister, Sheryl Simatovich; brother and wife, Buddy & June Davis;
a host of relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Dwayne will be Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ava Assembly of God Church with burial following in the Dyer Cemetery with full military honors by the Troy Herd American Legion Post 112. Visitation will be prior to the service on Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. at the church. Officiating will be Pastor Buddy Boyd and Pastor Robert Hall. Family requests memorials to the Gideon’s or Dyer Cemetery.
Donna Mae Criswell was born January 30, 1932 to Elmer and Gladys (Scott) Forbes in Murray, Iowa. She graduated from Murray High School in 1950. She worked several different jobs throughout her life, Hy-vee as an billing clerk, Walmart, Baptist School in Knoxville, Iowa and First Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Donna was a loving and caring mother to her five children, Dan, Denny, Deena with Don Wetzel, David and Donovan with Don Murdock. In her later years she married Edward Criswell whom passed away on November 18, 2006.
Donna was a long-time member of the Chariton Christian Church of Disciples of Christ. She loved to sing and play for funerals and weddings.
She peacefully passed away with family by her side on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Gladys Forbes, her husband Edward, her siblings, Marguerite (Gerald) Persels, Leo (Doris) Forbes, Mildred (Lloyd) Peppmeier and Kenneth Forbes.
Left to mourn her death is her brother, Corky (Linda)Forbes of Oregon, her children, Dan (Susan) Wetzel of Shenandoah, Denny (Judy) Wetzel of Ames, Deena (Randy) McSparen of Russell, David (Cindy) Murdock of Milan, Mo, Donovan Murdock of Chariton, 16 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Charlotte Forbes. Memorials may be directed to the Chariton Christian Church – Disciples of Christ in Chariton, Iowa. On line condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.
Wanda Dawn Fothergill was born July 12, 1930 in Knoxville, Iowa. Through her younger years her family moved to Melcher, Williamson, and Des Moines. As a young girl she developed her love of riding horses and all animals. She was a very proud graduate of East High School in Des Moines class of 1948. After high school she explored other places landing in Arizona before settling back in Des Moines working at the Bell telephone company and Hubbell Reality as a secretary.
In 1954 she married Roger Gookin and to this union three sons were born Michael Roger, Joseph Paul and Douglas Jay. During their married life they lived several places Des Moines, Russell, Melrose, Montrose, Colorado and finally Chariton. Wanda had several jobs each place they lived but when they moved to Chariton she started working at the Chartion Manor. First as a cook and then joining the activities department where she worked 34 years. She had a great love for the residents and considered them her family. She worked until the age of 80 and then she continued to volunteer for many more years. Wanda was always a worker. Raising big gardens and taking care of kids, animals you name it.
Wanda was a founding member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Russell. A member of Russell Methodist Church and a member of Russell American Legion Auxiliary for many years. Most of all she loved her friends and family.
Left to mourn her loss are her children Mike (Mary) Gookin, Joe (Kellie) Gookin and Doug (Karen) Gookin. Her brother John Fothergill and sister Dalene (Jack) Mullins.
Her grandchildren Heather (Ryan) Johnson, Chad (Britni) Gookin, Amber Heins, Emily (Tyler) Arp, April (Levi Clark), Joe and Tyler Gookin
Her great grandchildren Addison and Hayden, Josh, Amber, Jordan, Skyler, Jocelyn, Paisley, Adrien and Lily and one on the way.
Her great great grandchildren Jayce, Shane, Raydon, Shah Kahn, Orion, Case and Maverick.
Memorials may be given in Wanda’s name to Russell Methodist Church or Care Initiatives Activity Department in Chariton.
Services for Jessica Lynn Alexander, 36, of Russell, will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. There will be an open visitation from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Jessica's family will receive friends prior to the service, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Services for Jessica Lynn Alexander, 36, of Russell, Iowa, will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. There will be a visitation from noon to 6:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to greet friends.
The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/jessica-alexander
Memorials may be made in care of Jessica’s family. All donations made through the Tribute Fund link will go directly to Jessica’s family.
Jessica was born on May 30, 1985, in Newton, Iowa, to Rene Lyons. She graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 2004.
Jessica met Garrett Alexander in May of 2002 at the Knoxville Raceway. After Jessica graduated, she moved down to Lucas with Garrett, where they started their family. Jessica was united in marriage to Garrett on November 10, 2012, in Milo, Iowa. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Shannon, Jayson, and Jaxson.
She worked as an Associate at the Chariton High School. Jess loved doing two things, racing or camping. If you asked her what her favorite season was, she would say “race and camping season”.
Jessica will be dearly missed by her husband, Garrett Alexander; daughter, Shannon Alexander; sons, Jayson and Jaxson Alexander; mother, Rene Lyons; sister, Sara (Danny) Banker; parents-in-law, Jim (Pam) Alexander and Susan (Michael) Lowers; sister-in-law, Sheila (Matthew) Carty; sister-in-law, Amanda (Sheldon) Lane; sister-in-law, Renee (Andrew) Siders; along with many nieces and nephews. Jessica was preceded in death by her grandmother, Beverly Lyons; and her uncle, Rod Lyons. Jessica will be dearly missed by her husband, Garrett Alexander; daughter, Shannon Alexander; sons, Jayson and Jaxson Alexander; mother, Rene Lyons; sister, Sara (Danny) Banker; parents-in-law, Jim (Pam) Alexander and Susan (Mike) Lowers; sister-in-law, Sheila (Matthew) Carty; sister-in-law, Amanda (Sheldon) Lane; sister-in-law, Renee (Andrew) Siders; along with many nieces and nephews. Jessica was preceded in death by her grandmother, Beverly Lyons; and her uncle, Rod Lyons.
Visitation - Wednesday March 16th 4-6 p.m. Service 6 p.m. Pierschbacher Funeral Home
Cathy Sue Burkland, age 64, of Moulton passed away Thursday, March 10, 2022 at her home.
Cathy was born on November 29, 1957 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Alice (Unger) Wilhite. She was raised in Russell, Iowa, and graduated from Russell High School with the Class of 1976.
Cathy had many passions in life including, cooking, baking, sewing, quilting and embroidery. Most importantly, she cherished her children and grandchildren, as well as the time spent with them. In her younger years, Cathy was saved and baptized, leading her to a life of helping and caring for others around her, which she was very fond of.
On June 19, 1976, Cathy was united in marriage to Ted Hansen, and to this union, Josh and Ben were born. The couple later divorced. She later married Howard Gorden Burkland, and to this union, two daughters were born, Meggan and Mollee.
Left to cherish Cathy’s memory are her children, Josh (Lindy) Hansen of Plant City, Florida, Ben (Tara) Hansen of New Sharon, Iowa, Meggan (Darrick Smith) Burkland of Moulton, and Mollee Vanderlinden of Moulton; a step son, Eric Burkland of Pella; two brothers, Jerry (Debbie) Wilhite of Dalby Queensland, Australia, and Terry (Sharon) Wilhite of Russell, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, Hunter Hansen, Kenedi Hansen, Kalyn Hansen, Taylor Hansen, Allen Hansen, Colten Hansen, Autumn Burkland, Rory Vanderlinden, Griffin Hansen, Quinn Hansen, Oaklyn Hansen, Dodge Duke, Daisalyn Duke, and Uriah Hansen; as well as several extended family members and friends.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Alice Wilhite; and a brother, Ricky Wilhite.
Per Cathy’s wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30AM, Monday, March 21, 2022 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastor Terry Wilhite officiating. Visitation will take place Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville, beginning at 12:00PM (Noon), with the family greeting friends from 4-6PM. Memorials have been established to the Family of Cathy Burkland, to be determined at a later date, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.
Services
VISITATION
Sunday March 20, 2022 4:00 PM to 6:00 AM Lange Funeral Home & Crematory 1900 South 18th St Centerville, IA 52544
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Monday March 21, 2022 10:30 AM Lange Funeral Home & Crematory 1900 South 18th St Centerville, IA 52544
The family of Caroline Faulconer will welcome friends on Monday, March 14, 2022, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at the Chariton Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Caroline’s name to the Chariton Public Library and the Lucas County Historical Museum.
Caroline O’Dell was born on August 2, 1926, the fifth of six children born to John William and Zenobia (Lynn) O’Dell. She was raised in Seward, Nebraska until her mother died in 1928. She then lived with her relatives until coming to Russell, Iowa at the age of nine to live with an aunt and her sisters, Mary and Bessie.
Caroline graduated from Russell High School in 1944. She worked in the telephone office in Seward for a short while, then returned to Chariton and worked at the telephone office as an operator until her marriage to Walter Faulconer on September 30, 1949.
One daughter, Linda, was born in November 1950. They spent most of their married life on a farm in southern Lucas County. They moved to Chariton in 2003 and have lived there since. Caroline was a longtime member of Sunnyslope Church of Christ near Promise City, Iowa.
Caroline passed away at Chariton Specialty Care on Thursday, March 10, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 72 and a half years, Walter; daughter, Linda; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Caroline was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mary Chase and Bessie Rawlins; brothers, Fred and John; and infant brother, Marvin.
Visitation Monday March 14th 9:30 to 11:00 am Graveside Services Monday March 14 11:00 am.
A Celebration of Life for Jesse Theron Fisher, 40, will be Friday, March 18, 2022, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. All donations made through the Tribute Fund link will go directly to Theron's family.
Theron will be dearly missed by his uncle and best friend, Garold "Gary" Wayne Smith; aunt, Rose Annette Smith; cousin, Wade Burk; close friends: Katie Oxenreider, Kimberley Fails, and Marquella Witt; and many more friends. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Terri Burk.
Nancy G. Blue, 90, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, March 9. She was born July 7, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Genevieve and Richard Losch. She graduated from Central High School in Omaha (a place she loved to tell stories about) and Principia College, Illinois. On June 20, 1959, she married Robert Blue. She was a social worker at the time, and he was soon to be a doctor. They had three children: Becky, Debbie and Andy. Nancy was committed to helping people who didn't get the same breaks in life that she did, first as a social worker, but throughout her life. She was an active member in her community, participating in PEO, and in her children's schools. She volunteered in various administrative capacities for the Kokomo Symphony for several years and was proud to have been part of bringing world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell to Kokomo. She loved her husband, children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews deeply and unconditionally. She was a tireless center of strength, caring and profound generosity. She adored birds, playing bridge, books, flowers, children, Harry Belafonte, the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, and New Smyrna Beach. A memorial will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022, at Judson Road Baptist Church, 1995 N. 750 West, Kokomo.
Overland Park - Paul "Craig" Jeffries, 75, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at his home.
Craig was born on January 23, 1947 to Thomas and Fanchon (Hellyer) Jeffries in Chariton, Iowa. He was a graduate of Russell Iowa High School and Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. His early career was in banking and in later years he worked in IT for KCP&L. A longtime resident of Indianola, Iowa his career path led him to seven states before finding home in Kansas City.
Survivors include his college sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Mary (Church) Jeffries; children, Kerry (Douglas) Weems of Lake Quivira, KS and Nichole (Alexander) Marsh of Edinburgh, Scotland; 3 grandchildren: Lizzie, Jack and Edward. A brother, Jerry Jeffries and family of Olathe, KS. and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Craig is preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom, and nephew Tommy.
Services to be scheduled at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Overland Park Fire Department Benevolent Association, or The Overland Park Police Officers Foundation (www.oppof.org), for their kind assistance in our time of need.
Douglas Rash was born June 24, 1951, to John F. and Margaret C. (Hager) Rash in Marshalltown, Iowa. He peacefully passed away at his home with family by his side. Doug brought three children into this world, Brandon, Melissa and Catherine. He was retired from the Army after serving in the Vietnam War and lived in Chariton, Iowa till his passing. Douglas enjoyed watching birds and had several bird feeders. He also had a green thumb and loved gardening.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Rash, his brother Donavon Rash.
He is survived by his children, Brandon Rash, Melissa Ellingson and Catherine Moreau, his siblings, Dwight (Janet) Rash, Daryl (Dixie) Rash, Darla (Doug) Rash and DaLene (Mark)Kahler.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project/DAV. Online condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.
Roberta Jane Witt, age 96, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Independence Village in Ames, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Columbia United Methodist Church in Columbia, Iowa with burial in the Columbia Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Columbia Community Center. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service.
Roberta Jane Shepard was born November 22, 1925, in Chariton, IA to Ray E. and Gladys Irene (Van Arsdale) Shepard. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1943. After high school she worked multiple jobs and was proud of the fact she self-funded her education at Iowa State University graduating in 1949 with a double major in Home Economics Education and Applied Art. Roberta taught language arts, home economics, and art for a total of 30 years at various schools in Iowa including Russell, Attica, Pleasantville, and 25 years in Albia.
On June 4, 1950, she married Harlan E. Witt, Jr. at the Presbyterian Church in Chariton. They were blessed with two children, Janet Gail Witt (1955) and John Shepard Witt (1957) and lived in Columbia, IA. In 1963 the family moved to Albia, IA when Harlan began managing the Goff & Nash Auto Parts Store (NAPA).
In 1996 the Witts moved to Chariton and enjoyed retirement. They loved to travel and saw all 50 states and nearly 80 countries around the world. Some of the trips were with the Friendship Force of Chariton and Des Moines. Roberta and Harlan also enjoyed winters in Apache Junction, AZ. Even after Harlan's death on September 4, 2009, she continued going to Arizona until 2019.
Roberta was a member of NEA, ISEA, Chariton Retired School Personnel, Columbia United Methodist Church, Lucas County Historical Society, and a 50 year member of the Eastern Star. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends, played a mean game of cards, and always supporting her family especially in their educational pursuits. She also adored her six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Gladys; husband, Harlan; daughter, Janet Marquardt (2014); daughter-in-law, Susan Gardner Witt (2011); sister, Evelyn Beebout (2018); brother-in-law, Kenneth Beebout (2013); niece,Nancy Phillips (1988); and nephew, Warren Beebout (2017).
Roberta is survived by her son, John Witt of Aptos, CA; son-in-law, Darvin Marquardt of Ames, IA; grandchildren, Ryan (Janice) Marquardt of Van Meter, IA, Amanda (Greg) Wever of Ames, IA, Derick (Maria) Marquardt of Milton, VT, Robin (Linda) Gardner of Santa Cruz, CA, Dr. Russell Witt (Dr. Lily Witt) of Houston, TX; great grandchildren. Hazel and Zane Marquardt, Ada, Quinn, and Jett Wever, and Joi Gardner. Also surviving are her sister, Marilyn Greve of Boulder, CO; brother-in-law, Gerald (Carolyn) Witt of Carlisle, IA, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks to Josh Demichelis for helping Roberta live independently at home to the age of 94. Also, a huge thanks for the loving care given by the entire staff of Independence Village of Ames and Suncrest Hospice.
Donald “Don” Ervin Schramm II, age 73, of Russell, IA, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at his home after a very long illness, under the care of EveryStep Hospice.
Don was born on November 28, 1949, in DuPage County, IL, to Donald E. and Mary Alice (Hillyard) Schramm. He lived in West Chicago until he was 10 years old when he, his mother, and his siblings moved to Chariton, IA. Don then attended school in Chariton, graduating from the Chariton High School with the Class of 1968. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1969 and married Barbara Clark in 1970 just before going to Vietnam. To this union, 3 children were born, Donald III, Sabrina, and Derrick. Don and Barbara later divorced after losing Sabrina in an automobile accident.
In Vietnam, Don was a helicopter crew chief and then a helicopter mechanic. He was discharged in 1972 and moved his family to West Chicago where he helped his father in the family auto body shop. Following his father’s passing in 1985, Don, his wife, and 3 children moved back to Chariton. Don went to work at Deflecta Shield in Corydon where he was head of design and molds for aftermarket vehicle parts.
In 1998, Don married Mary Ann Parker at Lake Miami in Monroe County and they settled in Russell. He went to work at Astoria Industries in Chariton where he again was the head of fiberglass patents and molds department, building all of the molds by hand and supervising all of the fiberglass work.
In his younger years, Don spent the summers helping his dad in the family business. While in West Chicago, Don was a member of an RC Airplane Club and built and flew his own RC planes. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and fishing. His true joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; 2 sons, Donald Schramm III of Nevada and Derrick Schramm of Chariton; a brother, Rick Schramm; a sister, Deborah Graham; 4 grandchildren, Matthew Bahr, Leeloominai Marie Schramm, Tearza Joy Schramm, and Cheyenne Vairo; 3 stepsons, Harold (Amy) Major of Albia, Gary “Ed” Major of Ottumwa, and David (Jessica) Major of North Liberty, IA; 9 step grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Sabrina Schramm; a stepson, John Major; his parents, Don and Mary Alice Schramm; and a special aunt, Donna Lee.
Per Don’s wishes, his body has been cremated. Due to the Covid virus, a Celebration of Life will be held next spring/summer with interment and military honors at Union Chapel Cemetery in Monroe County.
An open memorial has been established to the family. Mary Ann can be contacted at 641-535-2100 with condolences.
