Carolyn Schirmer

Heaven welcomed Nettie “Carolyn” SCHIRMER on July 27th, 2023. She passed into the loving arms of our Lord, just 4 days after her 101st birthday. She lived an amazing life and left an enduring legacy of family and friends who remember the deep love and kindness she shared with all.

A native of North Loup, Valley County Nebraska, Carolyn was born on July 23rd, 1922 to Mildred (nee Comstock) and William Hurley Davis. The 5th of 8 children, she valued family and God above all else. Carolyn attended North Loup – Scotia High School until her senior year when her family moved by bus to the Union City / Burlington area in Michigan. She finished her senior year at Union City High School in 1940. After high school, she moved to Battle Creek Michigan where she took a job working at Fort Custer Training Center.

In 1944, ready for a new path, accompanied by her sister, Marian, they took a train with 150 service men to the Los Angeles area. The trip took 2 – 3 days. At this time, WWII presented job opportunities and Carolyn found work on an assembly line, building airplane parts, specifically the wiring on wings until the end of the war in September 1945. Carolyn moved on to build a career working in the electronics industry and worked as a secretary for Altec Electronics and Hoffman Radio in Long Beach.

Several years later she met the love of her life. On May 28th, 1955, she married the late Lester “Les” Schirmer a native of North Dakota. They would spend time dancing at the Lawrence Welk Show. Les was a single father and Carolyn became mother to her stepson, Frank. Carolyn was a devoted wife and loving mother to her sons Frank and Jimmy, and daughter, Judy. With her husband Les, they raised their family in Redding California, when they moved there in 1961. Together, they gave their children a beautiful and love-filled childhood.

Carolyn was happiest when spending time with friends and family. She was very active and was an avid golfer and bowler. She loved her roses, and her home was always warm and inviting. She golfed into her 90’s and then traveled extensively with her daughter’s family in her later years. Always smiling and positive, Carolyn was dearly loved and known affectionately as “GG” to her 5 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Carolyn was a member of the North Valley Baptist Church and Moose Lodge 1006 in Redding. She will always be remembered as a beautiful lady and one of the kindest and sweetest people anyone could ever meet. She was a joy to spend time with and always brought laughter and fun to the moment. She loved reminiscing about her family and growing up in Nebraska & Michigan. She was extremely close with all her siblings.

Carolyn was predeceased by her much beloved, Les in 1979, her parents, siblings; Marian (1993), Glennis (1918), Leland (2013), William “Willy” (1922), Carroll (1995), Myron (1939), Kathleen “Kay” (2008) and her best friend, Dorphine Gyllstrom.

She is survived by her children; Judy and Daniel Wait Sr. of Kamiah Idaho / Redding California, Frank and Karen Schirmer of McCall Idaho and James “Jimmy” Schirmer of New Meadows Idaho. Grandchildren; Allen (Carissa) Schirmer of California, Paulette Schirmer of Alaska, Daniel (Kaitlin) Wait Jr. of Anderson California, Christina (Tim Vanni) Peterson of Florida, and Derek (Brittany) Wait of Arizona. Great Grandchildren; Katrina Wyant of Idaho, Adrianna “Anna” Hamilton of Alaska, Phoenix and Jackson Schirmer of California, Lexianne and Zachary Peterson, Chanelle and Harleigh Standifer all of Redding, Everleigh Vanni of Florida, Owen and Ava Wait of Anderson, Liam, Avery and Jaxson Wait of Arizona. Great Great Grandchildren; Elizabeth “Lizzy” and Corbin Wyant of Idaho, John James and Rachel Hamilton of Alaska as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Donations and tributes may be made in memory of Carolyn Schirmer to the American Cancer Society.

A viewing will take place at McDonalds Chapel, 1275 Continental St. Redding California 96001, on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023, 4 – 8pm. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 17th, 2023, at 10am Redding Memorial Park, 1201 Continental Street Redding California 96001.