John Schoemann

John Schoemann, son of Chris and Sophia (Blum), was born Sept. 1, 1935 in Harrison County. He was baptized, received First Holy Communion, and was confirmed at St. Mary’s Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, IA. John attended 1st through 3rd grade at Pleasant Ridge Country School in Harrison County and then 4th through 8th grade at Cass Center Country School. John attended 9th through 12th grade at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Portsmouth, IA, graduating in 1954.

John worked for his dad on the farm until he was drafted and began serving in the army in 1958. He was initiated into the army in Fort Carson, CO and went on to Fort Hood Texas for basic training. He served as part of the military police in Frankfort Germany. In 1960, John came back to Harrison County to work on the farm.

In 1987, John went to work at the University of Nebraska Med Center, taking care of research animals and working for the doctors who did the research.

John enjoyed life, especially time on the farm and time with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, a good card game, playing poker, gambling, going to the horse races, gardening and home cooked meals. He was a very simple guy, who never needed or wanted material things. He enjoyed the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends. John moved off the farm to Elm Crest in March of 2025.

John was preceded in death by his parents Chris and Sophia Schoemann, his two brothers Gene and Fr. Bob, and his four sisters, Sr. Elaine, Sr. Mary and Sr. Josephine, Grace Pauley, and his two brothers-in-laws Andrew Pauley and Vic Langer. He is survived by his sister Ceil Langer, his sister-in-law Thelma Schoemann, many nieces and nephews and a dear friend Laverne Andersen.

There will be a visitation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth, IA, from 9:30-10:30 with the funeral mass at 10:30. There will be a lunch for family and friends in the Portsmouth Legion Hall following. All are invited and welcome to attend.