The Superior Express -

Loretta Anna Alma (Heitmann) Schardt, 96, the oldest of five children, was born to Louis and Meta (Bohl- ing) Heitmann on Oct. 7, 1923, near Hardy.

Loretta filled her home with love for her family, and her love for the outdoors was evident in her flowers and gardening. Her love of God was seen in her humble and strong faith. She died at her rural Byron home June 19. Loretta was baptized Oct. 21, 1923, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Byron by Pastor Seybold. Her baptism verse was Mark 16:16. She was confirmed at the same church on April 10, 1938, by Pastor Hoefer. Her confirmation verse was Romans 5:1.

On Oct. 21, 1945, she was married to Egbert Schardt at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Byron by Pastor Hoefer. This union was blessed with three children, Lyle, Lynnis and Ryan. Egbert and Loretta enjoyed 65 years of marriage and she continued to live on the family farm until her death.

She was a life-long member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, participated in Bible study, taught Sunday school, member of Mary-Martha Circle, was office holder of WELCA and sent birthday cards to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Deshler and Hebron. Loretta was also a member of Byron Busy Bees Extension Club, and she enjoyed sewing blankets for church projects. She was an avid cook and baker and had joy sharing her goodies with her family. Loretta enjoyed bowling, traveling, round and square dancing and attending grand- children's activities.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Egbert; parents, Louis and Meta Heitmann; sister, Mildred Gerdes Bliefernich; brother, Willis Heitmann; brothers-in-law, Mervin Gerdes and Virgil Vinkenberg; and sister-in-law, Verla Heitmann. Also brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vernon and Loretta (Schardt) Kirchhoff, Wilma Schardt, Erwin Kniep and Verlyn Bohling.

She is survived by two sons, Lyle (Lucille) Schardt and Ryan (Myra) Schardt; one daughter, Lynnis (Arlis) Eitzmann; seven grandchildren, Brendan (Michelle) Schardt, Shannon (Thad) Buster, Tiffany (Jake) Beam, Brett Eitzmann, Adam Eitzmann, Stacy (Cris) Hansen and Justin (Linsey) Schardt; 14 great-grandchildren, Tyra, Trinity, Tierra and Tasia Schardt, Avery, Ainsley and Adilyn Buster, Jackson, Jaden, Jase and Janae Beam, Eli Eitzmann, Riley and Graham Schardt; brother, Lavern Heitmann; sister, Marjorie Vinkenberg; sisters-in-law, Delores Heitmann, Florence (Schardt) Kniep and Gladys (Schardt) Bohling; brother-in-law, Bernie Bliefernich, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery near Byron with Pastor Breen Marie Sypes officiating. Casket bearers were Brendan Schardt, Shannon Buster, Tiffany Beam, Brett Eitzmann, Adam Eitzmann, Stacey Hansen and Justin Schardt. Memorials go to the family's choice.

Condolences may be left at Price-Urbauer-Ahrendts Funeral Home. Price Funeral Home, Hebron, was in charge of arrangements.