In Memory of Thelma C. Schau

            Thelma Corrine Schau, age 100, of Battle Creek, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek.
            Thelma was born October 12, 1912, near Correctionville, Iowa, the daughter of Merlin and Myrtle (Wright) Heath.  She grew up on a farm near Correctionville with her three brothers, Kenneth, Bob and Ray.  Her parents farmed Myrtle’s parents’ land during Thelma’s formative years.
            She attended school in Correctionville, graduating from Correctionville High School in 1931.  She then lived briefly in western Nebraska as well as in Los Angeles, California, where she was employed as an executive secretary for the Los Angeles County Hospital.
            Shortly after returning home, Thelma attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, for nine months and received a teaching certificate.  Thanks to the help of her aunt and uncle, she lived in their home in Storm Lake while she attended classes.  She started college with only two dresses!  Times were very hard!
            After receiving her teaching certificate, she was hired to teach country school near Battle Creek, Iowa, for approximately ten years.  During those years she roomed at the home of Maude and Axel Hilborn with her good friend Hazel Joy.  While living in Battle Creek she met Titus Schau whom she married on June 10, 1946.  They lived in Battle Creek and had two children, Linda and Tom.  After Linda was born, she resigned from teaching in order to stay home with the new baby.
            For many years Thelma enjoyed playing bridge, working with the Presbyterian Church circle, and completing crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed visiting her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
            Thelma is survived by two children, Linda and Wilfred Higa of Omaha NE, and Tom and Penny Schau of Baldwin, KS; grandchildren, Beth Higa of Washington, DC, Amy and Adam Studts of LaVista, NE, and Sarah Schau and Nick Schau of Baldwin, KS; and two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Harlow Studts.  She is also survived a sister-in-law, Helen Kinkade of Albert City; as well as many loving nephews, nieces and friends.