Obituary of Fred Schoelerman

Memorial Tribute Fred Wayne Schoelerman, the son of Eva (Baumeister) and Alfred Schoelerman, was born December 3, 1930, and raised on a farm near Hartley, IA. He attended the Hartley Schools through the 12th grade. He married his childhood sweetheart, Bonnie Pfitzenmaier, on Christmas Eve, 1950, and together, they farmed near Hartley. Fred had many occupations during his working days. He was instrumental in starting the packing plant in Hartley, as well as the workers' union there, having served for a time as the union president. He had a long career in the trucking business, where he specialized in hauling numerous loads of swinging beef between the Midwest and New York City. He worked at Ketelsen's Hardware Store, and served on the Hartley Police Department and the Clay County Fair special Police Force for many years. Prior to his retirement, he drove the garbage truck in Hartley and Sanborn, as well as hauling grain for CEA in Hartley. Fred and Bonnie were members of a square dance club in the earlier years of their marriage. He also spent many years attending his family's school activities. After retirement, he enjoyed gardening, watching the birds and squirrels, sitting outside in the swing, and waiting for friends and family to drop by for a chat. Fred was a life-long member of Trinity UCC, and he loved his church. He belonged to the Brotherhood, served a term as president of the congregation, and he and Bonnie spent time as leaders of the youth group. Following a brief illness, Fred passed away at the age of 84, on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Lois; a brother, Merlin Schoelerman and his wife, Donna; and a nephew, Randy Schoelerman. Left to cherish his memory is his bride of 64 years, Bonnie; three children: Roger (Lynn) Schoelerman of Des Moines, Linda (Gail) Moritz of Spirit Lake, and Lori (Alan) Erichsen of Hartley; 12 grandchildren: Nicole Schoelerman, David (Brandy) Schoelerman, Jennifer (Todd) Dykstra, Brian (Cathy) Moritz, Brent (Brenda) Moritz, Brad (Melissa) Moritz, Jason (Tonia) Moritz, Dawn (Pete) Hagedorn, Evan (Jenny) Erichsen, Seth (Holly) Erichsen, Vanessa (Kevin) Klein, and Shelby Erichsen; 36 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law: Karmen (Merlyn) Schoelerman, June (Ronald) Hubbard, Shirley (Wayne) Peters; other relatives and many friends. Celebration of Life Fred W. Schoelerman Born ~ December 3, 1930 Died ~ August 12, 2015 Age ~ 84 years 8 months 9 days Funeral Service Wednesday, August 19, 2015 ~ 10:30 a.m. Trinity United Church of Christ Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Jeff Filkins Organist ~ Nancy Rieck Musical Tributes Nicole Schoelerman "Footprints In The Sand" "On Eagle's Wings" Rev. Jeff Filkins "How Great Thou Art" "The Lord's Prayer" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "The Old Rugged Cross" Recessional ~ "In The Garden" Pallbearers David Schoelerman Brad Moritz Brent Moritz Brian Moritz Evan Erichsen Seth Erichsen Kevin Klein Todd Dykstra Ushers Lyn Mohni ~ Merlin Feddersen Flower Attendants Donnie and Leslie Frick ~ Jeff and Jellie Hildreth Burial Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa <iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/2DK7FKL6956GHPCC" width="512"></iframe>