Schnoor, Loretta Elizabeth

Loretta Elizabeth Schnoor, 90, of Vinton, died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton, with Father Ardel Barta as celebrant. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and one hour before Mass on Thursday at the church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Vinton.

Loretta was born March 11, 1922, to Joseph and Mary Siebenaler near Primrose, Neb. She attended country school in Primrose until her family moved to Iowa when Loretta was 10 years old. Loretta graduated from Drake University and taught school for 17 years. She spent the first five years teaching in one-room country schools in Dallas County, Iowa. She spent the last nine years of her teaching career as an elementary teacher in Van Horne.

On June 21, 1947, she married Milo Schnoor in Dubuque. They owned and operated the Schnoor Saw Co. in Vinton for over 50 years. When their son, Andrew, was born, Loretta retired from teaching and was the bookkeeper for the business.

Loretta enjoyed nature, handicrafts and working at the saw company. Known as the “quilt lady,” she belonged to numerous quilting organizations at the local, state and national level. She was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton.

She is survived by her son, Andrew, and his companion, Peggy Mart; one grandchild; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1998; and one brother, Raymond.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Loretta and her family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.

Published Sept. 4, 2012 in The Gazette