Erma C. Schimmelpfennig
Erma C. Schimmelpfennig
Erma C. Schimmelpfennig
October 16, 1932 – December 30, 2015
Harper, Iowa | Age 83
Erma Coleen Schimmelpfennig, 83, of Harper, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Erma was born October 16, 1932, at Mormon Point, Iowa in Mahaska County, the daughter of Clifford and Nina McMains Davis.
Early on, Erma worked at Stanley’s and the Town House restaurants in Sigourney. She also took care of elderly people in their homes and cleaned the Keokuk County Sherriff’s office.
On September 27, 1959, Erma was united in marriage to Leonard Schimmelpfennig at West Chester, Iowa.
Leonard and Erma farmed near Harper their entire married life. Together they owned a Mid Am Dairy herd, with Erma helping milk and care for the dairy cows. She also raised chickens, sold cream and always had a large garden.
On January 1, 1999, her beloved husband Leonard passed. Erma stayed on the farm near Harper until her death.
Erma had served on the Keokuk County S.E.I.D.A. Board. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and attending their events. She also enjoyed square dancing with Leonard in the Dudes and Dolls Square Dancing Group. She always looked forward to evenings at the What Cheer Opera House.
Her family includes her eight children: Beth (& Jeff) Anderson of Bloomfield, Carol (& Chris) Bechert of Sigourney, Ruth (& Phillip) Manchester of Sigourney, Dale (& Lisa) Schimmelpfennig of Ottumwa, Don (& Beverly) Schimmelpfennig of Harper, Nena Schimmelpfennig of Sigourney, Dean Schimmelpfennig of Albia, and Rhonda (& David) Kleinschmidt of Sigourney; eight grandchildren: Amanda, Alyssa, Steven, Danny, Victoria, J.D., Christy, and Jessie; a brother, Gary (& Dorothy) Davis of Washington; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Leonard; Erma was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Lyle Davis.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dirk Alspach officiating.
Burial will be in the Union Mills Cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Monday morning after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Monday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Erma Schimmelpfennig Memorial Fund.
