Florence M. Schildgen

Florence M. Schildgen, age 81, of Lancaster, passed away with her family by her side on Friday, January 2, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, IA. She was born on December 6, 1933, the daughter of Gerhardt and Dolly (Cadwell) Kirschbaum of Cassville. Florence graduated from Cassville High School in 1951. She was united in marriage to Gerald F. Schildgen on November 21, 1953, and together they owned and operated the Schildgen family farm. In 1983, they moved to Lancaster. She was a devoted member of St. Clement Catholic Church. Florence enjoyed fishing the mighty Mississippi River, gardening, and playing cards with family and friends. She took great pride in all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald; children: Dan (Kim) Schildgen; Elaine (Larry) Mumm; Gary (Sandy) Schildgen; beloved grandchildren: Eric, Greg, and Paul (Michelle) Schildgen, Rachel (Jesse), Steve (Katie), Andy (Nikki), and Dan Mumm, David, Brad (Whitney Moore), and Jacob Schildgen; two great-grandchildren: Blake and Madeline; a brother, Ray (Joanne) Kirschbaum; a sister, Lois Vorwald; sisters-in-law: Bae Ruth and Marcia Kirschbaum, Sally (Joseph) Langkamp, and Marie (Robert) Olson.

In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol, a granddaughter, Stephanie, her siblings: Lavern, Carol, Walter (Donna), and Norman Kirschbaum, Dorothy (Donald) Fredrick; brothers-in-law: Virgil Vorwald, Joseph (Drucilla) Schildgen, Elmer Fenzau and Larry Drew.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 5, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father John Sasse officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Sunday, January 4, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster where a 12:45 p.m. parish rosary was held. Friends also called on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Florence M. Schildgen Memorial Fund has been established. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.