Francis Floyd Schreurs

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, Iowa Francis Floyd Schreurs, age 94 of Rock Rapids, IA died Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Lyon Manor Nursing & Rehab Center in Rock Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 6th at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Father Jeff Schleisman as celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Name Catholic Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Friday, October 5th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. There will be a Vigil service at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Francis Floyd Schreurs was born October 3, 1917 in Larchwood, IA the son of Frank and Matilda (Breuer) Schreurs. He was raised in the Larchwood area and graduated from St. Marys Catholic School. On February 6, 1941 he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen OConnor. The couple first made their home in Rock Rapids and three children were born to this union. Floyd enlisted in the Army shortly after the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor. In early 1942 after basic training, he was sent to Fort Snelling in Minnesota. He trained until June of 1943 when he was shipped out to the European Theatre. His company served in North Africa before making the second wave landing at Salerno, Italy which later became known as Bloody Salerno due to the number of American soldiers killed. His unit was able to push through and continued the fight trying to make their way to Rome. On the fourth day of this particular struggle, the Germans were able to zero in on their position and his unit received heavy shelling. Floyd took a severe wound to his foot which caused his eventual return to the States. He received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and a number of other campaign medals in recognition of his service. Upon his return from the war Floyd began his farming career which he and Mary Ellen sustained for 40 years. Floyd was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, as well as the local VFW, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, going dancing with his wife, fishing, wood working and spending time with his family. This past Tuesday, Floyd Schreurs passed away at the age of 94. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Schreurs of Rock Rapids, IA; daughters, Jan (Richard) Fonder of Sioux Falls, SD and Jane (Charles) Porter of Stone City, IA; grandchildren, Michelle (Andrew) Houglum of Mesa, AZ and Matthew (Cara) Fonder of Eagle River, AK; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean (Joe) Cadwell of Sioux Falls, SD; nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Matilda Schreurs; son, Gerald Schreurs; sisters, Geneva Schreurs and Mary Jane Viereck; brothers, Raymond, Laurence and Joseph.