Raymond Schram

     Raymond Schram age 84 of Sibley, Iowa died Saturday, July 4, 2020  at his home surrounded by family.

     Memorial services will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 9, 2020 at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, Iowa with Reverend Luke Schouten officiating.  The service will be live streamed on the First Reformed Church Facebook page.   A private family graveside service will take place prior to the service at the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.

     There will be no public luncheon following the service.

     Visitation will take place Wednesday, July 8^th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.

     Social distancing guidelines will be followed at the service and visitation.

     Raymond Schram was born May 9, 1936 on a farm near Allendorf, Iowa to Ben and Daisy (Heil) Schram.  In 1944 the family moved to a farm southeast of Sibley where he grew up.  He attended country school through the 2^nd grade, then Sibley public school graduating in 1955.  On July 16, 1956, he married Ellen Funk.

     After graduation, he worked for AMPI in the receiving room and drove a milk truck picking up canned milk from farmers.  He then farmed for 40 years, raising cattle, sheep, hogs, and chickens for the first 20 years.  In 1985 he purchased a farm southeast of Sibley raising grain crops only.  In 1991, he began to drive school bus for Sibley-Ocheyedan School district, driving for many years and enjoying transporting children to and from school and to many activities.  Many memories were formed.  He was a lifetime member of the First Reformed Church, having served as Sunday School Superintendent and usher.

     After retirement, he and Ellen enjoyed traveling throughout the USA and abroad.  They spent 20 years as winter Texans.  He attended church services held in the senior trailer park where they lived.  He enjoyed singing in the choir, singing solos and duets with his wife Ellen.  They also did some missionary work in Mexico for about 6 winters, quitting when it became too dangerous to be in that country. 

     He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years; four children, Paula (Gary) Zevenbergen of Arvada, CO, Jeffery (Laureen) Schram of Rock Rapids, IA, Keith (Marlene) Schram of Brookings, SD, Daniel (Mary) Schram of Orange City, IA; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, with 2 more due in the next few months; sister, Anna Mae (Albert) Brouwer of Chandler, MN; brother, Harold (Lynn) Schram of Sibley, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Katherine; and brother, Donald.