Erma L. (Schroeder) Cullinan

Erma L. (Schroeder) Cullinan, 91, of Clarion, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehab Center.

A celebration of Erma’s life will be held April 30th from 1-4pm at the Dows Community Center.

Erma Leona Cullinan was born on February 14th, 1930 on a farm in Dows, Iowa to William and Amelia (Hipp) Schroeder. She was the fourth of seven children.

Erma graduated from Dows High School in 1946 at age 16. She moved into her own apartment and started working at a local doctor’s office, where according to her, “she did everything.” During a night out with her girlfriends, she met a dashing young man named Dale, and they married on September 18th, 1950. Over the next decade, they welcomed five children together — Denny (the responsible one), Scott (the sneaky one), Barry (the troublemaker), Kevin (the smooth talker), and Vicki (the baby AND the only girl). Erma loved raising her kids, despite the endless loads of laundry, many mouths to feed, and having to play referee. In 1974, she took a job outside the home as a waitress, and having raised five kids, Erma was a natural. She was known for being a witty, fun and hardworking server, and she enjoyed it so much that she continued working well into her seventies.

Erma and Dale were known for their love of dancing and playing (and arguing over) Yahtzee and cribbage. She enjoyed reading, her soap operas, and spending a little too much time at the casino. She loved her coffee black and wine from a box. Erma showed her love through cooking and baking. Despite her family’s objections, she was always the last to sit at the table and she always made sure everyone had seconds. No one ever left her house hungry! Erma was known for always being well-dressed, with her beautiful curly hair, bright lipstick, and huge collection of sweatshirts. She was quick-witted and sassy, but you always had to keep an eye on her during Yahtzee… she could be sneaky! Her sense of humor and sarcasm were second to none, and she could dish it as well as she could take it.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale, two sisters, three brothers, and her sons Denny, Barry and Kevin.  She is survived by her brother Melvin (Jo) Schroeder, son Scott (Mary) Cullinan, daughter Vicki (Pete) Nily, many nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Erma was a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandma, and great grandma. She loved her family and friends beyond measure, and they loved her in return. We will miss her humor, quick comebacks, and her warm and loving hugs. 

www.ewingfh.com

Ewing Funeral Home

1801 Central Avenue East

Clarion, Iowa 50525

515-532-2233