Donna Schemmer

Donna Lou (Serck) Schemmer of Golden, CO, originally Inwood, IA, answered God’s call on May 7th 2015 in the loving company of daughter, Pam Brunetti and husband, Jim Schemmer. She leaves a rich legacy of grace and communion among family and friends.

Donna Lou’s was a life distinguished by caring, example and adventure. In her thoughtful way, her lived example was to listen deeply, to understand fully, and to respond with the heart. With the strength of her gentleness, she forged bonds among our family that traversed time and space. A life-long learner, she both embraced new experiences and delighted in sharing her newfound knowledge with those around her.

Donna Lou had a keen interest for family history and eagerly pursued the study of the Serck family before their immigration to America by spending several weeks in Germany, on the island of Farman in the town of Berg, in Schleswig Holstein from which the family originated. With great excitement she found the gravesites of many of the Serck predecessors and was fascinated by having their hand written files copied for her at the Rathaus in Berg. Her trip to Ireland and her tour of the Titanic Museum in Cobh where the last 126 passengers boarded the Titanic was always a lively topic explored by the whole family, kids and grandkids alike.

Her influence is wide and no words can capture the void left by her passing. But the gift she was to each of us and the values by which she lived (and loved!) will help to assuage the hurt and move us forward to greater depths of loving. She is preceded in death by parents Albert and Luella (Holtz) Serck, Darrell Calsbeek, brother-in-law Harold Driscoll, and by many others who felt close to her. She leaves her beloved spouse, Jim; 3 children, Greg, Pam, and Rebecca; 6 acquired children; 19 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Driscoll of Burnsville, MN; brother, Ron (Ruth) Serck of Rock Valley, IA.

A memorial service celebrating Donna Lou’s life and example will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 302 N. Oak, Inwood, Iowa on July 10th at 10:30 with graveside service following. A brunch will be served at the Church after the graveside service. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to the Jim and Donna Lou Schemmer Family Education Trust.

Memorial Service

10:30 a.m. ,Friday, July 10, 2015
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
302 North Oak Street Inwood, Iowa, Lyon 51240