Donald Schram

  Sibley, Iowa        Donald Schram, age 84 of Sibley, IA died Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the Sibley Specialty Care in Sibley, IA.        Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, with Reverend Luke Schouten officiating.        Everyone is invited to share in a time of fellowship and lunch following the funeral service and burial will take place after that at the Baker Township Cemetery by Melvin, IA.        Visitation will be Monday, December 5th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.      Donald Schram was born to Benjamin and Daisy (Heil) Schram on December 28, 1931 on their farm east of Sibley. He grew up on the farm and graduated from country school. He worked with his Dad on the farm until he was called to serve his country at the age of 18. He received his basic training at Breckenridge, Kentucky. Following basic he was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. He was a heavy machine operator there preparing the ground for the Nike missiles from White Sands, New Mexico, to be installed underground at Washington DC. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1954.      Following his term of duty in the Army he was employed a short while at Vos Hatchery in Sibley. He worked at Associated Milk Producers Inc. in Sibley as plant foreman for 45 years. He also drove semi-truck for Andy Mouw Trucking hauling milk for the plant when needed.        In 1955 he married Delores Revel and they later divorced. Don married Jennie (Haken) Schiphoff on October 19, 1979, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa. They resided on their acreage SE of Sibley for 34 years then moved into town due to Don’s failing health.      He was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church in Sibley which he attended and supported faithfully. He also served as an usher from time to time when needed.      Don enjoyed camping, fishing, water skiing, dancing and playing cards with family and friends. He was a member of the George E. Mudge American Legion Post #324 of Sibley.        Don is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jennie Schram; children, Doug (Ruth) Schram of Mesa, Arizona, Kevin Schram of SanDiego, CA, Connie (Steve) Schwarzkopf of Sibley; daughter-in-law, Melanie Maker (the late Duane Schram) of Sibley; step-children, Hugh Schiphoff and Eric Schiphoff of Sibley; seven grandchildren; Elizabeth (Corey) Colburn, Kristine (Steve) Hall, Cara (Brian) Grave, Megan Schram, Devin Maker, Abby Schwarzkopf (fiancé Derek Scott) and Erin Schwarzkopf; three step-grandchildren, Mindy (Mike) McCoy, Alex (Sonya) Schiphoff and Brett Schiphoff; eight great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; one sister, Anna Mae (Albert) Brouwer; two brothers, Ray (Ellen) Schram and Harold (Lynn) Schram; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.          He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Daisy (Heil) Schram; his oldest son, Duane Schram; one sister and brother-in-law, Katherine & Henry Prins.  Blessed be his memory.