Marie K. Schirmers, 90, Avon

October 2, 1927 - October 20, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 26, 2017 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for Marie K. Schirmers, age 90, who passed away Friday at Cherrywood Advanced Living Care in St. Cloud. Rev. Brad Jenniges will officiate and burial will be at the Parish Cemetery. Friends and family may gather from 4-8 p.m. at the church on Wednesday and one hour prior to services on Thursday. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Avon.

Marie was born October 2, 1927 to Louis and Catherine (Salzer) Raab in Avon. She married Stephen Schirmers on May 24, 1950 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon, where they remained members, and recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. Marie lived in Avon all her life as a housewife devoted to her faith, her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a happy and friendly person. She spent a lot of time playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was so compassionate and loving. Fall was her favorite time of year, appreciating the changing colors. She loved nature, animals, and music. She had a great sense of humor sharing her wit and funny comebacks! She was a gardener who canned and froze many vegetables and fruits. Another way she spread her love was cooking up special requests which turned into family favorites, such as kraut, apple strudel, kuchen bread, and dressing. When Marie wasn’t in the kitchen spreading her love with good cooking, she was playing Scrabble, card games, crafting, sewing, and making afghans. Marie and Steve also enjoyed their time with family and friends at their cabin in Pine River.

Marie is survived by her husband, Stephen of 67 years; children, Kathy Lemke of St. Wendel, Ann (Arthur) Chaika of St. Cloud, Lois (Daniel) Scudder of St. Louis Park, Mark (Brenda) Schirmers of Avon; brothers and sisters, Steve Raab of Sartell, twin brother Joe Raab of St. Joseph, Martin (Pat) Raab of Yankton, SD, Meinie Raab of Albany, Louis (Sheila) Raab of St. Michael, Hilda Chmielewski of Bloomington; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Agnes; sister, Betty Clary; and brother, Leo Raab.

Marie had so many special friends and neighbors throughout her life that she dearly cherished and who also supported her and her family during the last years of her life as she struggled with Alzheimer's disease. She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank Cherrywood nurses and staff, St. Croix Hospice, and Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany for the loving care given to Marie at the end of her life.