Schrage, Barbara J.

Barbara J. Schrage, 71, of West Union, passed away Friday, March 4, 2011, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 208 N. Vine St., West Union, with interment at West Union Cemetery. Public visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. today at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home, 212 E. Elm St., West Union, and one hour before services Tuesday at the church.

Barbara Jean Schrage, daughter of Henry and Anna (Timmer) Negan, was born April 25, 1939, in Allison, Iowa. Barbara was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Christian Reform Church of rural Allison. In 1957, she graduated from Shell Rock High School. Barbara was united in marriage to Darwin Schrage on June 28, 1957, and to this union four children were born. Barbara worked for a period of time as a bookkeeper for West Union Appliance. For several years, she worked as secretary for Bethel Presbyterian Church and served on the Diaconate Committee. She loved music, taught piano lessons locally, and sang professionally for the Bobby Hankins Show in Oelwein. Barbara worked at State Farm Insurance several years, served as church organist, and volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society, entertaining them with music and song.

In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, working crossword puzzles, crocheting, song writing, singing, bird watching and going to the casino with her friends. Barbara's biggest joy was to spend time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Darwin of West Union; four children, Mike (Donna) Schrage of Denver, Iowa, Curt (Georgene) Schrage of Elgin, Susan Schmit of Coralville and Dan Schrage of Dunkerton; seven grandchildren, Tonya Schrage, Shila Schrage, Beth Schrage, Stephanie (Marc) Hines, Christopher Schrage, Zachary (Rachel) Schmit and Samuel Schrage; two stepgrandchildren, Karysta Barker and Katrina Barker; and one great-grandchild, Nicholas Hines. She is also survived by one sister, Darlene (Jack) Roberts; two brothers, Jim (Lee) Negan and Ron (Susan) Negan; and one aunt, Elsena Kramer.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and two grandsons, Brock Schmit and Tanner Schmit.

The Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of arrangements. Phone (563) 422-3615 or (563) 578-1800.

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