In Memory of Audrey M. Schramm

Audrey Marie (Rasmussen) Schramm, 90, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, at the Morningside Care Center of Ida Grove, Iowa. Audrey had back surgery and never fully recovered.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held by the family.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Audrey Marie (Rasmussen) Schramm was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on April 4, 1932, to Martin and Bertha (Scott) Rasmussen. She had one sister, Marguerite “Jeane” (Rasmussen) Johnson. The family moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1948. Audrey attended Ida Grove High School where she met the love of her life, Merle Schramm. They were married in 1950, going on to have five children: Susan (Dave) Schemel, Thomas Schramm, Sharon (Mike) Plante, Beth (Jim) Stutzman, and Christian Schramm.  

Merle was a high school teacher and the family moved to many wonderful places such Cedar Falls, Royal, Spencer and Onawa, Iowa. They then moved to Greeley and Boulder, Colorado.  Finally, to Milford, Nebraska, as Merle taught at Southeast Community College for 12 years before retiring. In 1992 they moved to Arthur, Iowa and bought a vintage home built in 1913.  Audrey loved their large garden, flowers, and fruit trees. She loved gardening and canned tomatoes and applesauce that lasted them all winter. Audrey also decorated cakes for all occasions. 

All aspects of her faith were important to Audrey. She loved teaching Sunday School, helping with church events, and attending services. She was active in the Gideons and jail ministries. She loved children of all ages.   

Audrey was an exceptional mother. She raised five children with dignity and grace. Audrey instilled a sense of wonder and joy in her children. She was loved by all who knew her. 

Audrey’s husband, Merle Schramm, preceded her in death by three weeks. They were partners in life for 71 years. Also preceding her in death were her parents Martin and Bertha Rasmussen; her sister Jeane (Rasmussen) Johnson; brother-in-law Rev. Herb Johnson; and nephew Jim Johnson; son-in-law Steve Tipton; daughter-in-law Angela Schramm; grandsons Luke and Daniel Schramm. 

She is survived by her children Susan, Thomas, Sharon, Beth, and Christian; her grandchildren Anna Clements, Jack Tipton, Michael Stutzman, Suzanne Swanson, Ashton Schramm, and Talon Schramm; and five great grandchildren Jennifer and William Clements, Joshua Rausch, Micah Swanson, and Brooks Tipton.