Erna Emma (Graepp) Schwartz Obituary (1924)

Erna Emma Graepp Schwartz, age 97, of Reedsburg, was born on August 29, 1924 in the Lutheran parsonage at Casselton, ND to John Graepp and Emma Straub Graepp. She was baptized into the Christian faith September 21, 1924. Her father officiated at the baptism. She was given the name of her mother's little sister who had died during the Scarlet Fever epidemic. Her mother's name became her middle name. Erna grew up in Casselton and was confirmed in June 1938. She attended the public schools and graduated from high school in May 1943. In 1947, she received her B.A. degree in Sociology and English from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. After 8 years of enjoying working with students as a Junior High English Teacher, she attended Moorhead State studying Library Science and served as Webb High School librarian in Reedsburg, WI for 15 years. An avid reader she found joy in bringing books and people together and began the Wisconsin Writers program at Webb, bringing Wisconsin authors to speak to the students. She also organized a strong student library program which influenced some students to become librarians. On visits back to Minnesota she met former students who had been influenced by her teaching to become English teachers. Erna retired as librarian upon her marriage to Ivan Schwartz in July 1971. Her love of bringing books and people together continued when the church council asked Erna to organize the church library. It was a labor of love she held for 13 years. After a brief respite she found pleasure in serving the community, which she felt had given her so much, in various ways including working at the Gallery of Books and Gifts and working as assistant manager for 5 years when the Reedsburg Area Medical Foundation opened the Riverview Thrift Shop. She was active in many church activities and held several offices in Church Women and sang in the church choir many years. Helping elderly friends and relatives filled her days along with enjoying their home, nature, and travels with Ivan, her variety of hobbies and the fun times with her nephews and nieces. She never knew what it meant to be bored. Life offered so much and she was most grateful. Ivan's death in August 2010 brought to an end their 39 years of blessings. Life was lonesome without Ivan but Erna carried wonderful memories and holding on to God's promise, "I will never leave you or forsake you". Erna closed the book on her earthly life on January 31, 2022 in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Erna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters. She is survived by her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, and great grand nieces and great grand nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Pastor Beth Voigt officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. There will be a visitation from 12 noon until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to ELCA Ministry or St. John Lutheran Church would be appreciated. The Hoof Funeral Home is serving the family. 2d:{"dateTim