Bernadette Stroschein

Bernadette (Schmelzer) Stroschein, age 87, of Guttenberg, formerly of Garnavillo, IA, died Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at the Guttenberg Care Center. She was born the daughter of Albert and Alvina (Felder) Schmelzer on November 6, 1924 on the family farm in rural Guttenberg. Bernadette married the love of her life, Lawrence Stroschein, April 4, 1945. They raised a family of ten children on a dairy farm near Garnavillo, Iowa. Bernadette loved to cook for her family and enjoyed all the duties of a farm wife/mother. She enjoyed taking care of the farm animals, cleaning a big two-story farmhouse, and canning food from her garden. She was known for her multi course farm meals and especially for her infamous homemade chicken noodle soup, homemade pies, angel food cake and fried chicken dinner with riced potatoes. Bernadette took the time to enjoy the small things in life like a sled ride down a farmyard hill in the winter and playing a competitive card game with her family. One of her greatest pleasures was playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a way of making each one of them feel special. Bernadette has left a deep imprint on her family and will be greatly missed. Survivors include her 10 children, Joyce Tonkin, Judy (Ed) Sevcik, Larry (Nancy) Stroschein, Louis (Deb) Stroschein, Jean (Don) Storms, Lee (Becky) Stroschein, Joanne (Rick) Digiantonio, Janice (Troy) Martin, Lenny (Cheryl) Stroschein and Sandi (George) Storbeck; 38 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren; two siblings, Marie Dickman and Jim (Shirley) Schmelzer and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 4 siblings, Gerry Kann, Leonilla Moser, Joseph and Lorin Schmelzer.Visitation: Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. November 10, 2011 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Garnavillo, Iowa and one hour before service at churchFuneral Service: Friday 11:00 A.M. November 11, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Garnavillo, IowaInterment: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Garnavillo, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available