This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Schrum, Kroger, Long, Rathfon Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/0k.2ADE/2292 Message Board Post: Donald William Schrum, 84, Missouri Valley, died Dec. 31 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Omaha. Don was born July 3, 1920 in Manning to William and Alice (Kroger) Schrum. He was married to Vernie Long, and was in the U.S. Army from 1940-45 during World War II. After his return from service, he worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a train dispatcher for 30 years. Don was involved in many organizations over the years, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a past State Legion Commander, and served two terms as Master of Valley Lodge, A.F. & A.M. He was a member of the Royal Arch Masons (past High Priest), and Abu Bekr Shrine in Sioux City. Don was a member of the United Methodist Church and Missouri Valley Fire and Rescue Department, where he served in a number of capacities over the years, including his final service as pumper operator, retiring from active service in 1993. He loved doing his volunteer work at the Veterans Hos! pital, which he did with great energy for many years. He saw to it that several other local veterans were able to volunteer there, as well. In addition to his state commander positions, Don also served as Seventh District Legion Commander and Commander and Adjutant of the Julius Muller Post, American Legion. For many years, he personally collected dues from members to be certain the roster remained robust. Don also helped ramrod the Legion's annual candy sacking operation and Santa Claus visit for many years, and was keeper of the Santa suit. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vernie; and a brother, Raymond Schrum. He is survived by his son Randall and his wife, Catherine, Ft. Calhoun, Neb.; and one sister, Jean Rathfon, Sealengrove, Pa. A Masonic Service was held Tuesday evening at Hennessey-Aman Funeral Home, Missouri Valley. Funeral Services will be held today (Wednesday, Jan. 5) at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Missouri Valley, P! astor Bob Dagit, officiant. Organist will be Genelle Riesland, vocalis t will be Brenda Marshall. Casket bearers will be: Karl Strum, Charles Davis, Martin Pennock, Aaron Schrum, David Davis, and Joe Young. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Memorial Gardens, Missouri Valley. Memorials may be given to the Missouri Valley Fire and Rescue Department. The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the United Methodist Church following the service. Respectfully submitted for other researchers ©MISSOURI VALLEY TIMES - NEWS 2005