Irene E. Schuessler

Irene E. Schuessler , nee Schmidt, 97, born Tuesday, August 8, 1911, in Highland, IL, passed away Thursday, October 02, 2008 at St Paul’s Retirement Apartments in Belleville, IL.

Mrs. Schuessler graduated from Highland High School and in 1935 she married Elmer Adam Schuessler, spending 69 good and happy years together.

Mrs. Schuessler was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, having served on the Church Council for four years, as past president of the Woman’s Day Fellowship, past president of the Elders Society and past president of the Fireside Club. She helped organize the Saturday morning Prayer Group in 1979, and was a member of the Daughters of Naomi. In 1992 she was presented with the Christian Service Award at St. Paul’s.

Mrs. Schuessler was a member of Rob Morris Chapter #98 O.E.S, joining at age 18, and a member of Al Sihah Temple #29, Daughters of the Nile, and serving as Worthy High Priestess of the Cedar Shrine # 60 W.S.J.; She was a member of the Memorial Hospital Auxilary and also a leader as well as trainer of leaders for the Girl Scouts of the USA, and was a recipient of the Girl Scout Statuette Award for Service.

She is preceded in death by:

  • Husband: Elmer Schuessler
  • Parents: Hugo and Louisa nee Metz Schmidt
She is survived by:
  • Daughter: Ruth (Tony) Tafel of Newark, DE
  • Daughter: Cathy (George) Phillips of Leicester, NC
  • Grandson: D. Guy (Michelle) Tafel of Newark, DE
  • Great granddaughter: Kelli Tafel of Newark, DE
  • Great granddaughter: Ashley Tafel of Newark, DE
  • Great-great grandson: Nathan of Newark, DE.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ or to St. Paul Home.

Visitation: Friends may call from 11:00 to 1:00 Monday, October 6, 2008 at the Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Monday, October 6, 2008 at the Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Andrew Kramer officiating. Entombment will be at the Valhalla Gardens Mausoleum immediately following the service.