Helen Irene Schramm, 92, of Winner, South Dakota, passed away March 6, 2010 at Winner Regional Healthcare Center.

Irene was born on June 25, 1917 in White River, SD to Charles and Edith (Eveleth) Hight of White River. Irene married Howard Schramm on April 5, 1936. To that union, two children were born: Janet Jane Bruun (Carroll) of Dallas, SD, and Charles (Chuck) Howard Schramm of Sacramento, California.
They extended her "love of family" with grandchildren: Johnyne Horstman (Brad) of Winner; Jacey Peters (Dale) of Parker, SD; Jad Bruun (Suny) of Winner; and Lance Severson (step-son) of Marshall, Minnesota. Expanding her world of family even further are six great-grandchildren: Zachary and Kylie Horstman; Kelby and Karley Peters; and Jayden and Joren Bruun.

Over time, Irene became known as "Grandma Chic" not only to her family but also to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and having her in their lives.
Chic's pride and joy was definitely KIDS. On numerous occasions, she could be heard saying, "Life's not worth living without these kids!" She always loved spending time with them and the feeling was definitely mutual. Showing her excitement, she would clap her hands and exclaim, "HAPPY DAY!" whenever anyone would stop to visit.

Coming from a large family, it's interesting that each one of her eight siblings used nicknames instead of their given names: Charles (Harlan); Evelyn Maurine (Blue Eyes); Donald (Don); Lois Lorraine (Babe); Ray (Jake); Albert Leroy (Roy); Clarice Maxine (Sally); and Dorothy Mae (Dode.

Chic was a long-time nurse in both Winner and Sioux Falls. She always took pride in helping people, especially bringing babies into the world. This care-giving role continued throughout her entire life.
She loved helping others and feeling needed, both of which are qualities that made her so special.

She was preceded in death by her husband Howard; her parents; siblings Harlan, Blue Eyes, Ray, Roy, and Sally; and a host of Schramm relatives. Survivors include siblings Don, Babe, and Dode as well as in-laws Verna Schramm, Russell and Lois Reed.

Chic is survived by her two children, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry memories of her love FOREVER. Luckily, she is now watching over us from the best seat in the house