Stroschein, Bernadette (Schmelzer)

Bernadette (Schmelzer) Stroschein, 87, of Guttenberg, formerly of Garnavillo, died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at the Guttenberg Care Center. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Garnavillo, with the Rev. Marvin Bries officiating. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Garnavillo. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 001 S. Industrial Park Rd., Garnavillo, and one hour before services at the church.

She was born the daughter of Albert and Alvina (Felder) Schmelzer on Nov. 6, 1924, on the family farm in rural Guttenberg. Bernadette enjoyed working on the farm. She loved cooking for everyone and playing cards and board games with her family.

Survivors include her 10 children, Joyce Tonkin, Judy (Ed) Sevcik, Larry (Nancy) Stroschein, Louis (Deb) Stroschein, Jean (Don) Storms, Lee (Becky) Stroschein, Joanne (Rick) Digiantonio, Janice (Troy) Martin, Lenny (Cheryl) Stroschein and Sandi (George) Storbeck; 38 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Marie Dickman and Jim (Shirley) Schmelzer; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and four siblings, Gerry Kann, Leonilla Moser, Joseph and Lorin Schmelzer.

Condolences may be left at

Published Nov. 10, 2011, in The Gazette