Astrid L. Schumell

(Nee Knutson) She was born February 12, 1929, in Seattle, WA; and went home to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit on Saturday, December 18, 2010, in Milwaukee, WI. Survived by her husband of 56 years, the Rev. John Schumell; her children, Bill (Donna) Schumell, Cathy (Ray) Lamovec and Jean (Bob) Wihsmann; grandchildren, Josh Schumell, Vinny and Molly Lamovec; and her sister, Marilyn (Wes) Squires. She was preceded in death by her parents, Omer and Lillian (nee Wahlquist) Knutson and sister, Audrey. Visitation at GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH, W180 N7863 Town Hall Rd., in Menomonee Falls, on Thursday, December 23, 2010, 11AM-1PM. Burial of the Dead with Holy Communion at 1PM. Burial to follow at Highland Memorial Park. The family has requested memorials be directed to Luther Manor Hospice, Luther Manor Foundation, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Capitol Drive Lutheran Church, ALCM, or AGO Milwaukee Chapter. Astrid received her BA from the University of Minnesota in Pipe Organ and Primary Education. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity. She received membership and advanced degrees in American Guild of Organists (AGO): CAGO (Colleague) and AAGO (Associate). Member of ALCM (American Lutheran Church Musicians). Her musician's heart and primary joy was serving as a church organist, which she began in her early teen years and continued virtually throughout her life. She retired following 20 years teaching in the Milwaukee Public Schools as a music specialist and was a member of the WREA (Wisconsin Retired Educators Assoc.). She lovingly volunteered for many years at the Laubach Literacy Center.