Marion Schauf

Marion Rose Wirth Schauf, 90, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully on February 26, 2009 at Presbyterian Manor Nursing Care in Topeka, KS. Marion was born January 3, 1919 in Redwing, KS, the second of three children of Robert and Anna Wirth. She attended Claflin High School, graduating with honors in 1936. She married Bernard Schauf August 9, 1937 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin, KS. She lived on the Schauf Family farm for 41 years until her husband Bernard died, at which time she moved to 314 West 4th Street in Claflin and resided there for 18 years. In July of 1998, Marion moved to Thornton Place Retirement Community in Topeka, KS and resided there for five years. For the past three years she has lived in assisted living at Presbyterian Manor, also in Topeka, KS. For 32 years, Marion was organist and choir director for the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, KS. She also was a member of the St. Catherine’s Alter Society and a member of Dodge City Diocese of Catholic Women. She was an organist and choir member at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin for 17 years. In addition, she belonged to Daughters of Isabella, St. Rita’s Circle. She was active in the Odin KS EHU organization. Marion was an accomplished pianist and could play requested songs and tunes by ear, changing keys so that those present could sing along with her playing. She taught piano in Claflin, KS for many years. She was an accomplished seamstress, and helped to teach sewing with the Barton County 4H club. She also enjoyed singing, boating and family outings. Marion enjoyed traveling both in the United States and abroad, having ventured to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Austria. She also made several trips to Alaska and Hawaii. She is survived by four daughters; Sally Punte (Lawrence) of LaGrange, CA, Patricia Talbott (Edward) of Topeka, KS, Judy Burnes (Richard) of Silver Spring, MD and Debra Buehler of Cimarron, KS. She had eleven grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren Marion will lie in state after 3:00 pm Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW. Urish Rd., Topeka, KS 66614, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. A parish rosary will be prayed beginning at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm, Monday, March 2, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, KS with burial to follow in St. Catherine’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart of America Hospice in Topeka, KS, St. Catherine’s Cemetery c/o Roy Weber, Claflin, KS or to Immaculate Conception Alter Society in Claflin, KS and sent in care of the funeral home.

Marion Schauf

January 3, 1919 - March 1, 2009