Joseph Schmelzer

Joseph Otto Schmelzer was born one of seven children to Albert and Alvina (Felder) Schmelzer on March 20 1926 in rural Guttenberg. He passed away peacefully at home with his family beside him on Tuesday May 16, 2006. Joseph received his education locally and farmed for many years. On June 4, 1947 he was united in marriage with Anita Rose Berns at Holy Name Church in West Union. To this union they were blessed with thirteen children. Joseph was an active member of St. Josephs Parish all his life. He belonged to the Holy Name Society, served for many years as trustee of the Cemetery Association and was a 50 plus year member of Knights of Columbus. In his free time Joseph enjoyed playing cards, fishing, woodworking gardening and taking much pride in keeping his lawn nice and neat. His family was very special to him. He loved family gatherings and enjoyed his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Anita; seven daughters, Mary Schmelzer of Iowa City, Margaret Schmelzer of Lone Tree, Susan Schmelzer of Garnavillo, Anna (David) Elder of Iowa City, Donna (Kurt) Franks of Protivin, Ellen (Joe) Cleays of Iowa City, Laura (James) Orth of Winona, Minn.; five sons, Samuel (Sarah) Schmelzer of Dubuque, Michael (Sharon) Schmelzer of Garnavillo, Tom (Diane) Schmelzer of Strawberry Point, Tony (Nancy) Schmelzer and Tim (Kathy) Schmelzer both of Elkader; two sisters, Marie Dickman and Bernadette (Lawrence) Stroschein both of Garnavillo; one brother, Jim (Shirley) Schmelzer of Garnavillo, one brother in law Owen Kann of Guttenberg; one sister in law Edna Schmelzer of Monona; twenty one grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Daniel, two sisters, Leonilla Moser and Geraldine Kann; one brother Lorin Schmelzer. The family of Joseph Schmelzer would like to give a special thanks to the Prairie du Chien Hospice Unit for their support, care and compassion theyve shown to Joseph and his family. In Lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to St. Josephs mission society or a charity of your choiceVisitation: Thursday 4:00-8:00 P.M. May 18, 2006 at Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Garnavillo, Iowa and one hour before service at churchFuneral Service: Friday 10:00 A.M. May 19, 2006 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Garnavillo IAInterment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available