Florence "Flo" Schmerler's Obituary
Florence “Flo” M. Schmerler, age 82, of Grand Haven passed away Thursday, May 15, 2008. She was born April 1, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Joseph and Florence (McGill) Markey, and she married John Albert Schmerler on December 27, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He preceded her in death on March 1, 1977.
Mrs. Schmerler graduated from the University of Iowa in 1946 with a Bachelors Degree in Science and from the University of Minnesota in 1969 with a Masters in Education. She was employed as a secondary learning disabilities teacher at Edina Public Schools in Edina, MN, and was a practicum director and supervisor for special education teachers at the University of Minnesota. She was also the director of the special education graduate program at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Flo served on the Minnesota State Board of Education and was the author and national trainer for the Schmerler Reading Program as well as the 1973 recipient of the Outstanding Special Educator Award in Minnesota. She moved to Grand Haven 30 years ago and worked as an instructional consultant for special education and later as a reading specialist for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Her passion for teaching was evident as she tutored many children and adults in the area of reading. Flo was also an enthusiastic golf, tennis, and football fan, and she loved traveling, playing bridge and following worldwide current events.
She is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Susan (John North) Klooster of Grand Haven and Stephanie (Jim) Sherman of Sunrise Beach, Missouri; two sons, John Markey (Kateri) Schmerler of Sequim, WA, and Stuart (Diane) Schmerler of Hopkins, MN; eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Mary Elizabeth Markey; two brothers, Joseph and Nicholas Markey; and her son-in-law, John G. Klooster.
A private family celebration of Flo’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions to the Wigginton Foundation, 1415 Beechtree, Grand Haven, MI 49417, are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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