Jean Schoneman

JEAN SCHONEMAN Cedar Rapids Jean Schoneman, 89, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of rural Center Point, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, with the Rev. Emory Gillespie of Westminster Church presiding. Lunch will follow. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Emily and William Trefz; her sister, Theresa Minehart; and her brothers, William Trefz, Richard Trefz, Rev. Dr. Edward Trefz and Dr. Donald Trefz. Surviving Jean is her loving husband of 68 years, Vern. Jean also leaves behind her children, Mark (Sandi) Schoneman of rural Center Point and Mary (Vaughn) Ehret of Cedar Rapids; her granddaughter, Dr. Sonya Ehret Woolsey, and her husband, LCDR Aaron Woolsey, as well as their three children, Landon, Vallie and Marlee. Survivors also include Jean's sister-in-law, Beuna Zeman; and many nieces and nephews. Jean loved her family, her friends and the farm. She was born Nov. 17, 1925, and raised on a farm in Coggon, Iowa. She played basketball for Coggon High School and attended Coe College, getting her teaching certificate. She was a very gifted writer, especially in poetry. Jean was called to teach in a one-room school house near Toddville. Her responsibilities included everything from getting the wood for the pot-bellied stove, keeping it stoked and teaching first through eighth grade. Jean worked on the assembly line at Collins Radio during World War II and was a supervisor for Bell Telephone when she met Vern, who served in the Marines during World War II, at Danceland. They were married Aug. 31, 1947, by her brother, the Rev. Dr. Edward Trefz, and became active members of Westminster Church. Five years later, Jean and Vern started their family and bought a farm in rural Center Point. Jean possessed a deep and solid faith that clearly guided her life. She dedicated much of her life to the church. She was a pianist and organist at Alice United Methodist Church, a member of the UMW and multiple Bible groups, and was a lay leader. She lived her life as an example of faith and friendliness. Jean possessed great humor and an indomitable spirit. Everyone she met was considered a friend and she cheerfully tried to link each new acquaintance to someone in her past. Vern and Jean were mall-walkers for over 30 years and made many lifelong friends. Jean took much pride in keeping her home and the surrounding lands beautiful. She loved to travel; Jean and Vern traveled to all 50 states, numerous countries and made annual fishing trips to Ear Falls, Canada. Jean loved nature and entertaining, often combining the two. Jean will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful wife, a loving mother, an amazing grandmother, and a fun, faithful friend. The world is a little dimmer without her bright smile and feistiness. She will live in our hearts always. The family would like to sincerely thank Jean's UnityPoint Hospice team for their support, thoughtfulness and friendship. For Jean's longtime friends, your love and kindness were always greatly appreciated. Memorials may be directed to a hospice of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.cedar memorial.com under "obituaries."