Musetta Elizabeth “Liz” Schramm, passed away on November 25, 2020 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. She is survived by her husband Peter Schramm, her three children, Scott C. Schramm, Melissa A. Sword, Charles E. Pauly, four grandchildren, Phoebe Schramm, Emma Schramm, Ian Signore, and Madison Signore.
Known as Liz by her family and friends, she was born January 28, 1936 in Macomb, the daughter of Robert and Lorraine Clark. Her family moved to Burlington, IA and as a young woman, Liz began her very successful career as a salesperson and buyer of women’s ready-to-wear clothing at J.S. Schramm Co. In 1972 she moved to Galesburg, and married Peter Schramm, Biology Professor at Knox College. In Galesburg, Liz continued her sales work first at Bergner’s as head of the women’s clothing sales department, later at Casual Corner, and eventually at Maurices, where she became an award-winning manager. A colleague at Bergner’s was quoted saying “Liz was always one of the best-dressed women in Galesburg.”
At Knox College she joined Faculty Wives and became president of that group for several years. During certain summers she joined her husband, Peter, at Green Oaks, the Knox College Field Station, where she taught students the art and joy of growing a large vegetable garden. She had one rule, to eat out of the garden you had to do some work in the garden. Liz loved fishing which she learned to do quite well in the Green Oaks lake. Liz and Peter spent their vacation breaks in Key West in the Florida Keys. There they became ardent saltwater fisherman where Liz won a fishing tournament with a 60-pound bull dolphin fish.
Liz had several collecting hobbies which included dolls and kitchen primitives. In conclusion, Liz was an amazingly hard worker, a loving person, and devoted to her family, her friends, and her many pets.
Cremation has been accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions can be made to the ASCPA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or The Nature Conservancy. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
