Fern Schmieman

Fern (Thomas) Schmieman, a woman with a generous heart and an audacious spirit, passed from this life at age 94 on 12 March 2017.

Fern was born in rural Portland, IN, on Valentine’s Day, 1923.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Bryant High School. She supported the war effort during WWII by factory work at General Electric in Fort Wayne, IN. 

Fern married William Schmieman on 10 November 1945 and enjoyed 69 years of happy marriage. During their life together, they traveled extensively, moving to 23 different homes in various locations, including Indiana, Ohio, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Singapore. They enjoyed their 40^th anniversary in Italy. 

Fern studied art at universities in Florida, Colorado and Singapore.  Her favorite media were Asian watercolor, Chinese calligraphy and cloisonné. She loved gardening and was president of a garden club in FL.  She enjoyed genealogy, which she documented and distributed to family members. Fern wrote well and corresponded with many at Christmas and on birthdays.  Her writing was published in newspapers. She was a great storyteller, especially to amuse others with tales about growing up in rural IN. 

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.  She is survived by her children, Eric (Susan) Schmieman, Richland WA; Anita (Robert) Hawkins, Steamboat Springs CO; and grandchildren Aaron Schmieman, Richland; Hans (Rebecca) Schmieman, Richland WA; and Dietrich Schmieman, USMC.

Fern will be interred with her husband at a future date in the Idaho State Veterans’ Cemetery in Boise, ID.

The family especially appreciates the excellent care given our Mother by the kind staff at Riverton Assisted Living and by Chaplaincy Hospice.