Obituary of Lorraine Holscher-Schuster

Lorraine F. Holscher-Schuster, 95, of Dyersville died Friday, August 31, 2012, at Oak Crest Manor, Dyersville. Friends may call from 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday, September 2, 2012, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 3, 2012, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Dennis Quint. Lorraine was born on February 18, 1917, in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph L. and Frances (Gerken) Loes. She married Bernard Holscher on September 16, 1943, in Reno, Nevada. He preceded her in death in 1973. She later married Francis A. Schuster on May 2, 1975, at St. Francis Xavier Rectory, Dyersville, Iowa. He also preceded her in death in 2005. Lorraine worked for the JC Penney Company, retiring in 1974. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Basilica, A.C.C.W., and the former Dyersville Art Association as a board member. Other boards Lorraine served on were the Hoffman Library Board, Progress Board, Welcome Committee, Chairman of the Centennial Book Committee in 1972, and the Dubuque County Preservation Awards Committee. She was also a member of the Dyersville Area Historical Society where she served as President for 12 years. There are signs of Lorraine's influence all over the office and the Dyer House. Lorraine received an individual volunteer award from Gov. Terry Branstad. She was the first woman to be selected as "Woman of the Year" by the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce. She was an accomplished artist both in watercolors and oil paintings. Lorraine spent much of her retirement promoting the City of Dyersville. Lorraine was a visionary when it came to what could be accomplished with faith and hard work. She never doubted that the Dyer House could become a major Historical Landmark in Dyersville and it is to her credit and that of her fellow historians that it evolved into what it is today. She had a very persuasive nature when it came to requesting donations. She wanted everything to be special: If "Hemingway Lane" is to be dedicated, then have a picnic. If publicity is needed, invite the county supervisors for a luncheon. If it is known that there was an old castle near Dyersville, have the name of the road changed to "Olde Castle Road". If an event is needed, design a luncheon and title it a "Victorian Tea". If a certain look is needed in the Dyer House, research every avenue looking for the perfect wallpaper. If an onyx lamp manufactured in Dyersville was donated to President Coolidge, call the President's son to find out where the lamp is today. Lorraine's nieces and nephews were a very important part of her life as she was of theirs. She will always be a very important part of their fondest memories. Survivors include her step daughter, Carol (Harvey) Frederick of Dubuque, 3 step-grandchildren: Mike Soens, Jayne (Charles) DeBrular, both of Phoenix, AZ and Tom Soens of Lake Delhi, 3 step great-grandchildren: Tyler Soens, Brady and Cody DeBrular; 1 sister, Clarabelle Baum, brother-in-law, Howard (Delpha) Schuster of Dyersville, and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Bernard Holscher, second husband, Francis Schuster, siblings and spouses: Francis, Harold (Lucille) Loes, Jeanette (Raymond) Vorwald, Mary (Laverne) Schaetzle, Madonna (Jack) Dalton, Robert Loes and Gerald Baum. Memorials are preferred to the Dyersville Area Historical Society.or St. Francis Xavier Basilica. Condolences accepted and information at www.kramerfuneral.com.