Johanna H. "Oma" Schaarschmidt, nee Heissner, age 95, of West Bend, passed away Friday, August 17, 2007 at SynergyHealth St. Joseph's Hospital.
She was born on June 6, 1912 in Bierstadt, Germany, and sailed to the United States at the age of 18. Johanna lived with her aunt and uncle in Milwaukee until she was united in marriage to Rudolf Schaarschmidt on July 7, 1940 in Milwaukee. Together they resided in Milwaukee until moving to Friess Lake in 1965.
Johanna loved lake living, and lived for forty years on Friess Lake, before moving in with her son and daughter-in-law on Little Cedar Lake one year ago. She loved pontoon boat riding, gardening, bird watching (her favoriate bird was the cardinal), and was a great cook and baker. She also loved and owned many Black Labradors. Johanna was a glowing testimony to the chiropractic wellness lifestyle.
Johanna is survived by two children, Janet (Walfred) Wessel of Fort Myers, FL, and Dr. Kurt (Janine) Schaarschmidt of West Bend; three grandchildren, Candace (James) Pennington, Dawn (Carlos) Quan, and Robin Wessel; six great-grandchildren, Layne, Chase, Gabriella, Gilianna, Sara, and Emilee; a sister-in-law, Sophie Schaarschmidt of Butler; two nephews from Germany, Karl-Heinz and Gerhard Heissner, and their families; other relatives and many wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Rudolf; a brother in Germany, Karl Heisner; and a brother-in-law, Karl Schaarschmidt.
A memorial service to celebrate Johanna's life will be held on Tuesday, August 21st at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. Rev. Victor Hackbarth will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until the time of service. Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. Cremation took place at Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, West Bend.