Geraldine M. Schoenherr

GERALDINE M. KIERSPE ERWIN SCHOENHERR, 79, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at Lutheran Life Villages. Born in Fort Wayne, she was a school teacher and homemaker. She was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, past president of the Indiana/Kentucky Synod of the Women of the ELCA, and was the first president of Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Ball State University. She is survived by her husband, Thomas L.; children, Doreen (Craig) Collins of Batavia, Ill., Joel (Pam) Erwin of Carmel, Ind., Dennis (Betsey) Erwin of Carmel, Ind., James (Kim) Erwin of Bronson, Mich., Angela (James) Smith of Cicero, Ind., Susan (Jeff) Groeling of Fort Wayne, and Rebecca (Doug) Germann of Fishers, Ind.; siblings, Nancy (George) Dodd and Thomas (Carole) Kierspe, both of Fort Wayne; 27 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and mother, Mary Kierspe of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald H. Erwin; and father, Raymond Kierspe. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church, 729 W. Washington Blvd., with calling one hour prior. Friends may also call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at Trinity English Church, 405 W. Wayne St. Burial in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or Lake Luther Bible Camp. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com