Mary Ellen Schreurs

Rock Rapids, IA Mary Ellen Schreurs, age 92 of Rock Rapids, IA died Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the Lyon Manor Nursing Home in Rock Rapids. IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 9th at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, with Father Bruce Lawler as celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Name Catholic Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Monday, December 8th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. There will be a Vigil service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Mary Ellen Schreurs was born January 28, 1922 in Alvord, IA to James Joe' and Ella (Munns) O'Connor. At a young age she moved with her parents to a farm southeast of Rock Rapids. She began her education in country school and graduated from Wilson High School in Rock Rapids. Mary Ellen furthered her education at the College of St. Teresa. She was a lifelong member of Holy Name Catholic Church and a member of Catholic Daughters of America. On February 6, 1941 Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Francis Floyd Schreurs. The couple made their first home in Rock Rapids before moving to Mary Ellen's family farm where they remained until retirement in 1990. They loved to dance and attended many area dances over the years. During their marriage Mary Ellen and Floyd had three children, Jan, Jerry and Jane. She was a wonderful mother to her children. She was kind and intelligent and loved to provide for her family. Mary Ellen was known as a wonderful cook and her dishes would disappear quickly at family reunions. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening and playing bridge. Her faith was also very important to her. Due to failing health, Mary Ellen went to live at Lyon Manor in Rock Rapids in 2010. This past Thursday she passed away at the age of 92. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Richard) Fonder of Sioux Falls, SD; son-in-law, Charles Porter of Stone City, IA; granddaughter, Michelle (Andrew) Houglum of Gilbert, AZ and their children, Sam, Nate, Violet and William; and grandson, Matthew (Cara) Fonder of Eagle River, AK and their children, Harper and Iver; nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Floyd; son, Jerry Schreurs; daughter, Jane Porter; and sister, Frances Berger.