Emma Schwarze

Emma Schwarze, age 99, of Ortonville died Sunday, March 15, 2015, at Northridge Residence in Ortonville.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville with Rev. Dennis O'Neill officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the time of service at the church.

Emma Meta Schwarze was born on April 12, 1915, in Alban Township, Grant County, South Dakota to Arthur and Elfrieda (Pinkert) Schwarze. She was received into God's Kingdom of Grace by Holy Baptism on May 9, 1915, by Pastor E. L. A. Bartling at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Alban Township. She was confirmed at the same church on July 21, 1929, by Pastor Bartling. Emma attended Alban No. 1 Country School. In 1949 Emma, along with her parents, moved to Ortonville to make their home. They attended services at Trinity Lutheran Church. She faithfully took care of her parents and also worked at Electric Maid Bakery for many years. In 2005, she moved to Northridge Residence.

Emma was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Ladies Circle. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and belonged to the Quilting Club. Emma also lent her talents to St. John's State Line Church, where she played the organ, and to Northridge Residence, playing the piano for Hymn Sing. She greatly enjoyed embroidery, plastic-canvas stitching, and playing the piano.

Emma is survived by her sister, Frieda (Mrs. Leo) Wellnitz of Milbank, SD; sister-in-law, Betty Schwarze of Apple Valley, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth (Edward) Strube; and brothers, Paul (Daisy) Schwarze, Elmer Schwarze, and Alvin (Phyllis) Schwarze.