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Colleen Mae Schauff, 70, of Fergus Falls
Published 9:09am Monday, January 16, 2012Colleen Schauff, died of pancreatic cancer on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.
Colleen was born Aug. 3, 1941, in Fergus Falls, the second of four children born to Elmer and Elda Mae (Eide) Stanghelle. At age 10 she was found on the ground unconscious at a church picnic and airlifted to the University of Minnesota where she underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage.
The surgery saved her life, but she was permanently paralyzed on the right side. After therapy, Colleen returned to school and graduated from Roosevelt Park High School in Fergus Falls in 1960. Following occupational training at the Sister Kenny Institute, Colleen was employed for two years at the former Swedish Hospital of Minneapolis.
On Oct. 12, 1963, she married George Schauff of Elizabeth where they lived for several years after the birth of their son, John, before moving to Fergus Falls in 2006. Colleen was employed for 23 years at Lake Region Hospital of Fergus Falls.
In addition, she was active in the Augustana Lutheran Church of Elizabeth, the Elizabeth Lions Club, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Elizabeth Fireman’s Department, TOPS, Birthday Club, the church s Stephen Ministry, and a weekly Bible study group.
In retirement, Colleen raised significant funds for the Otter Tail County Cancer Relay for Life.
Colleen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She dearly loved her granddaughters, Ashley and Allison, attending many of their events including swine showing at the Otter Tail County Fair.
She was a woman of steadfast Christian faith who exemplified a life of devotion given to her church, community, family and friends.
She was selfless, always thinking of others before herself. She had a great sense of humor which helped her cope with a disability.
She enjoyed creating greeting cards on the computer and collecting rooster figurines.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, George; her son, John (Marcia) Schauff of Underwood; granddaughters, Ashley and Allison of Underwood; sisters, Ann Ness of Northfield, and Gloria (Jack) Sweet of St. Paul; brothers-in-law, Dick (Barb) Schauff of Fergus Falls and Jerry (Dini) Schauff of Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Judy (Norm) Buseth of Fergus Falls; special aunts, Marcy Pederson of Fergus Falls and Jean Prochnow of Erhard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were an infant son, James; her parents; her brother, Jay Stanghelle; and brothers-in-law, Maurice Ness and Robert Schauff.
Visitation: Monday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Revs. Kate Bruns and Stan Satre
Burial: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com
