Obituary of Jerome Joseph Schieltz

LUXEMBURG, IOWA Jerome J. "Jerry" Schieltz, 92, of Luxemburg, died Saturday, August 6, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family following a short battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 9 – 10 am at the funeral home prior to mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Jerry was born on September 24, 1923, in Luxemburg, Iowa, the middle son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Friedman) Schieltz. He was born and raised on the farm his grandparents originally purchased in 1870. He was educated at Holy Trinity School in Luxemburg. He married Grace Marie Lake on April 23, 1951, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg. Together they raised their family on the same farm in which he was born, and Jerry lived all his life in Luxemburg other than the time he spent in the U.S. Army during World War II. Jerry was a proud veteran and one of his fondest memories was being able to travel to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight in September, 2011. Jerry was a loving, patient and kind husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and touched many lives. He loved his family and was affectionately known as “Papa Jerry” to the great-grandkids. He had a sharp mind and loved to share stories of the past. He was a member of the Dubuque County Farm Bureau for over 50 years, served as a Board of Director for Holy Trinity Parish and served on several church committees. He was a simple man who especially enjoyed morning coffee and conversation at the 4-Way and helping on the farm before his health declined where he no longer was able. Jerry was extremely proud of his farm, and carried a passion for farming his entire life. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Grace, 5 children: Jim (Sharon) Schieltz, Joe Schieltz, and Linda (Terry) Bockenstedt, all of Luxemburg, Sandy (Lyle) Wulfekuhle of Farley, and Lisa (Scott) Lueken of Worthington; 13 Grandchildren: Jesse Schieltz, Amy (Anthony) Dowies, Tim (Kelly) Schieltz, Tony Schieltz, Jeff (MaryLynne) Wulfekuhle, Scott (Shyla Kae) Wulfekuhle, Abby (Luke) McDermott, Luke (Jenny) Bockenstedt, Andy (Lynn) Bockenstedt, Katie Bockenstedt (friend Justin Weber), Jenna Lueken, Jared Lueken and Jessica Lueken; 16 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Hanna and Grace Dowies, Nic and Natalie Schieltz, Hailey, Katelynn, Josie, Mason, Avery, and Dylan Wulfekuhle, Brock, Nate and Cole McDermott, Will and Tanner Bockenstedt and baby Bockenstedt expected in October; 2 brothers: Ed (Alice Mae) Schieltz and Elmer Schieltz, both of Luxemburg; 5 in-laws: Alice Mae (Ed) Schieltz of Luxemburg, Joann Besler of Hopkinton, Esther Klostermann of Dyersville, Gladys (Bob) Elgin of Peosta, and Wilma Lake of Dyersville; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Edward W. and Agatha Lake, and sister and brothers-in-law, Germaine Schieltz, James Lake, Edward Lake, Bill Besler and Floyd Klostermann. The family would like to thank Dr. Kirkendall and his nurse, Kate, Dr. Horchak and staff, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy M. and Amy C. for their care and compassion that they gave to Jerry.