Lucille Idelne Schnack

Lucille Idelne Schnack, the daughter of William and Hattie (Wendt) Burgin, was born on September 28, 1915, on a farm south of Walnut, Iowa. She attended school southwest of Walnut and worked as a waitress in Walnut. It was during this time she met her husband, Earle Otto Schnack, and the couple married on February 19, 1934 in Harlan, Iowa. They lived on a farm located southeast of Harlan until 1937, when they moved into Harlan. In 1946, Earle started the Schnack Electric business. Lucille helped Earle in the business until his retirement in 1974, and continued to work for her son until 1989, when they sold the business. Earle died on November 21, 1984, in Harlan. Lucille then lived in the Schnack Electric building, which had been remodeled into apartments. She later moved to the Westridge Apartments, and remained there until poor health caused her to become a resident of the Elm Crest Retirement Community.

Lucille was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, on November 23, 1941, and had been a member since that time. She liked travel to Denison, Iowa, to play Bingo. Lucille put much effort into promoting the new Harlan Senior Center and enjoyed going there for activities.

Lucille I. Schnack died on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, at the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 24 days.

Preceding Lucille in death were her parents; her husband, Earle Schnack; one brother, Raymond Burgin; and one son, Craig Schnack, in 2003. Survivors include two sons, Gail (Marilyn) Schnack of Harlan, Iowa, and Gordon (Irene) Schnack of Omaha, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Elaine Andersen of Kimballton, Iowa; nine grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 24, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastor Heather Ploen officiating. Marge Ahrenholtz served as the organist, and Diane Kastens was the soloist. Casket bearers were Joshua Schnack, Kyle Schnack, Travis Schnack, Jeff Schnack, Troy Schnack, Doug Schnack, David Schnack, Kathy Stanton, and Sherrie Schnack. Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.