Erna Jewel Colum 11/20/1931 Chicago, Illinois, 2/1/2024 St. Peter, Minnesota Precious Erna has passed on to Eternity. A few years ago and since, she made it clear that she knew by faith that Jesus was Who He said was: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live, even if he dies.” John 11:25. Erna always said “I have had a good life”. She often said how fortunate she was to live with us and be close to her family. She requested “Please, no funeral for me… enjoy me while I’m here!”. So here is what we can give since there will be little other recognition as she humbly requested. Obviously those who knew her were the ones privileged as we think on how her intentions were truly selfless in so many ways. What a blessing to have her live with us! She made it to 92 in pretty good health and sometimes couldn’t believe it herself. Her strength and zeal for life was apparent to others, even upon first meeting her. She supported my father and high school sweetheart, Earl, through college with 3 jobs while living in a basement plagued with a half inch of water on the floor and a refrigerator on stilts! She walked from work with her wedding dress on a rainy day to the church to make it in time. She had me after 5 previous miscarriages. She rejoiced when realizing it is our spirits that are eternal that those 5 babies are waiting for her in heaven as a result of her faith and God's reliable love. Erna was all about making personal sacrifices to support her family. Self taught piano player, accomplished quilter, Fortune 500 chief auditor (no college) and she was voted “Most Versatile” in high school. What woman in her 40s buys a bustling high-end Door County restaurant waking up at 6:00am to bake a dozen cakes that would sell out daily and clean her motel rooms in Baileys Harbor on the Lake Michigan shoreline, open the restaurant for lunch and then sing karaoke after the kitchen closed at night? She also enjoyed frequently singing for standing room only at the Drake Hotel Blue Room downtown Chicago, The Long Grove Tavern ,The Hob Knob, and many other places and making stand-in appearances in movies. Earl loved going with to watch the enthusiastic crowds as Erna would sing lyrics by memory to 1000s of songs upon request. Rarely was there a song she didn’t know the words to from the 60s and earlier. One of her favorite and most entertaining songs was “Ring Them Bells”, as performed like Liza Minnelli. Erna talked and visited regularly with her remaining high school girlfriends into her 90s. One of her favorite things to do was get in a car with kids, Art and Jim, or her grandkids, Shayla, Nathan, Joshua, and Andrew and drive all over the country visiting historic sites, and the natural beauty of this land, often singing along the way, never knowing where she might stop. She also did this with her sister, Gladys, and cousin, Booty, into her 80s. Granddaughter, Shayla, commented, “ She showed me how to be a lady.” Erna was dressing her up and taking her to high-end places as a little girl. She reminded us of how great-grandson Mason, on his own, jumped to the icy driveway at age 5 cushioning her from a slippery fall to avoid injury before she hit the pavement. She loved watching her newest great-grandson, Ezra, with his big blue eyes, as he plays with trucks. She took pleasure in Andrew’s amazing musical abilities, Joshua’s gentle kindness, Nathan’s helpful strength and Hollywood smile. Her son, Jim’s, gentle spirit and rich baritone voice. She expressed gratitude towards Jim’s wife, Kim, for truly loving him. Erna treasured her time with her sister, Gladys, and husband, Stanton, niece, Beth, and nephew, Scott. She was especially close to Beth cherishing whatever time she could with her and took pride in her many accomplishments. Erna commented several times a week how her daughter- in-law, Karen, was really a daughter to her and loved her like that. Erna marveled at Karen’s own versatility, energy, and kindness, reminding her son, Art, how fortunate he was to have found her. She called her a “treasure beyond price.” In many ways, I did marry a girl like mom without even realizing it as I write this. The Green Bay Packers (formerly ACME Packers) was a big deal to her. Father, Art Schmaehl, my namesake, started the Green Bay Packers City League Team that formed the Green Bay Team we know today. There would likely be no Green Bay Packers today without Art, who scored the first touchdown in the NFL. (Sorry Vikings and Bears fans) I can wholeheartedly say mom literally laid her life down for me in so many ways. Amazingly I never witnessed a selfish moment I can think of. From the tough C-section with no anesthesia to save me, to putting me through 4 pre-schools that she would wait for the inevitable call to pick me up because I would deck whoever picked on me, to watching me gruel through gym class running the 220 and 440 always finishing last. She would always encourage me noting that at least I finished what I started. But she taught me to move forward in life, not looking back, no pity parties. This was hard on her, yet she knew it to be best for my future. As I think of how fortunate I am to have all these years with her close by, I realize how determined she was in making this 3lb kid who came into this challenging world who I am today. So thankful, so humbled as I think of all the things she let me experience so that I might have a real chance in a world that didn’t always look kindly on the struggles I was born with being 3 months premature. Karen and I are so thankful that we can look forward to celebrating eternity together with Erna one day, which is not too far for any of us. We see this as a joyful time. We’d love more than anything for you to join us in trusting the Lord. He is good indeed…all the time!