Elizabeth Jane "Freddie" VanderSchaaf
Dear Howard and family, Although our meeting was only a year ago, you and Freddie have impacted Mike, the girls and I forever. Sarah was saying today how she was going to miss Freddie's sweet smile. You both have always made each of us feel so special. We have enjoyed getting to know your family even though never meeting many of them. The stories you have told us show how very important they all are. Howard, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Elizabeth Jane, Mike, Sarah, Olivia and Maya Altemeier
Elizabeth Altemeier
Cedar Rapids
IA
My mom sent me the sad news about Freddie and I just wanted you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Stolba) Glass
Carroll
IA
Freddie Speechless; We had been attending New Covenant for a few months when one of the Sundays my wife Marilyn didn’t attend. We found our seat in front of Freddie and Howard. I seated in front of them next to a friend of 40 years. Giving Adel a hug as we always do when we see each other. After the service Freddie asked me if this was my wife. I told her she was my second wife we were members of the Mormon Church before coming to New Covenant. At that point she was speechless. Not wanting to offend us she just said, “we are glad you’re here.” The other folks started to laugh as Adel told her she wasn’t my wife, having been friends for years. She never forgot that, and would mention it a couple of times over the years. She always said “hello” and made a special effort to see us at church. Will miss her but knowing we have eternity to spend with our Lord is the greatest comfort. Bill & Marilyn Holderman
Bill & Marilyn Holderman
Marion
IA
My favorite memory of Freddie was of my visit with her last summer at her home. She showed me the books she had compiled over the years, and we also had a wonderful time watching the birds in her back yard. Howard (and the rest of the family), I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that God's presence will carry you through this time and months ahead. Love from Taiwan, Adele
Adele Booysen
Taipei, Taiwan
IA
TW
WE are sadden by your loss. Our prayers are with you. Phyllis and Glenn Miller
Phyllis Miller
Hollywood
FL
Dear members of the VanderSchaff family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Although I am now living in Illinois, whenever I came back to Iowa for a weekend, Freddie would come up to me after church and ask how I was doing. She showed a sincere interest in so many people and was a blessing to me. May you be comforted by her faith and the promise we have that she is with her Lord and Savior. God's peace to all of you, Greg Conderman
greg conderman
DeKalb
IL
I remember her cheerful smile and know she is rejoicing and playing a "heavenly organ". Since my mother was also from Lisbon and a friend of Freddie's for many years, I remember Howard, Mark and Neil from my years in Cedar Rapids. You will be in my prayers for peace and comfort from our heavenly father. Although I cannot be there in person, my thoughts will be with you all. Nancy(Hungerford)Krizek and family
Nancy Krizek
Colorado Springs
CO
Freddie was a good friend for a long time. So sorry for your loss
Wayne & Phyllis Decious
Mesa
AZ
THANK YOU ELIZABETH FOR DOING AND BEING A PART OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF GOD'S COMMANDMENTS...WITNESSING AND BELIEVING IN JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR AS WELL AS LOVING ONE ANOTHER.......GOD BLESS YOU!!!
LYNN BRADSHAW
JOSHUA TREE
CA
I have known the incredible VanderSchaaf family since I was a public schoolmate of Neil's back in the 1960's. He once made an impromptu chess set from a sheet of notebook paper, and tried to give me a chess lesson, while we were waiting for rides home inside the front entrance at Franklin Jr. High. More recently, when I returned to Cedar Rapids in late 2005 to join a Pathology group based at St. Luke's Hospital (after living in Houston for many years), Mr. Howard and Mrs. Freddie VanderSchaaf became my beloved friends. Later, I had the pleasure of talking with Mark. I now know where the brilliance of the children and grandchildren comes from -- their parents, of course! Mrs. V. was a beautiful, lively, multitalented, gracious, and loving person who had an abiding faith in God. She greatly enriched my life and will always remain in my heart. Peace and blessings to your amazing family.
Lileah Harris
Cedar Rapids
IA
Freddie was truly a beautiful person who was very proud of her family and all of their many accomplishments. After meeting Freddie and Howard at St Luke's Hospital, I told her that I had gone to school with her son Neil, she was so excited! The very next day she brought me pictures of her whole family, and she was so proud to tell me about you, Neil. When Freddie spoke, her eyes sparkled with joy. I am so saddened by her loss. I am greatful that I had the honor of knowing her. I will miss her.
Karen Ruggiero King
marion
IA
Ahhhh, Freddie.....my memories of you go back to my growing up years...I would see you in the yard almost daily and sometimes we would chat at the fence like you did with my mom..Howard, Mark and Neil; my thought are with you all at this diffucult time. May the good memories help bring you peace. Most sincerely, Sheryl Kopecky Bergen
Sheryl Bergen nee Kopecky
Davenport
IA
Howard and Family, What a beautiful video tribute of Freddie. I have many fond memories of seeing you together at church over many years. You were a match made in heaven and it was so apparent how much you loved each other. I also remember the playful teasing you (Freddie was the instigator, I believe) always gave my dad---although he dished it right back as I recall. We will miss Freddie! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave and Jill Asprey Family Jim and Nancy's daughter
Jill Caraway Asprey
Solon
IA
Dear Howard and Family: What a gentle and caring Lady and I was toally surprised when I read her obituary and heard the announcement in church. I will long remember her friendly smile, her pleasant personality, her willingness to share, and the times we met at St. Lukes during the lunch period while I was there for various reasons. My prayers are with you and your family in this hour of your loss and may God's blessings be upon you as this dark cloud passes. A friend Dick Truesdell
Dick Truesdell
Marion
IA
Howard and Family, You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Freddie. We-I will miss her lovely smile and always asking about the dogs at CVHS. Wonderful, fun memories of both of you and most recently as volunteers at St. Luke's. Sincerely, Don and Sue Novak
Don and Sue Novak
Cedar Rapids
IA
What a special blessing both Freddie and Howard have been to us. Freddie with her smile and down to earth attitude, offered encouragement and advice even before David and I got married. We will never forget her encouragement to get married sooner because we were wasting valuable cuddle time. Her dedication to her family, God, and to her many friends will always be remembered and hopefully passed on by those of us left behind. We extend our love to you, Howard. God is taking good care of her now, but thanks for taking such good care of her for all those years. David and Dixie
David and Dixie Estrem
IA
Expressing smpathy to you Howard & all your family. Always remember the two of you folding bulletins. Our God is faithful & true........
Mary Chapuis
Cedar Rapids
IA
Elizabeth and I started Glenwood Country school together in 1928, I think. I thank God we were able to visit together for a few hours last May while I was in Iowa. My love and prayers to Howard.
Zola Sanders Cerny
Santa Clara
CA
Elizabeth always brought a smile to my face when she would talk about her "Mark" and how proud she was of the work he did as a urban planner. I always looked forward to her visits to the Linn County Planning Office. Her smile and cheer always made my day. She will be missed!
Mark Trumbauer
Ankeny
IA
What a beautiful video tribute to my beautiful friend! Although most of her friends called her "Freddie", to me she was always "Libus"--the name all of us at Cornell knew her by. We kept up our friendship through our Christmas letters and e-mails. I'm so glad we once made a surprise visit when we were in C.R. visiting my daughter. Howard, Mark and Neil, you, your love and your accomplishments were always her joy. May your faith sustain you through this difficult time. "Dottie" and Ken Grate
Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Grate
Huntley
IL
I first met Freddy when I joined Volunteer Services at St. Lukes. I already felt she was an old friend as I had heard so many good things from a Genealogist who was a mutual friend. We were both at St. Lukes on Mondays and usually ate lunch at the same table with Freddy and Howard. She had been there many years and knew everyone! So many stopped at our table to visit with her. We miss Freddy and Howard at our table.She was such a happy person - always that sparkle in her eyes. She loved all of her family so very much. Sincere sympathy to you Howard and the rest of the family. Marge Clemens
Marjorie Clemens
Cedar Rapids.
IA
Howard, Bob and I will always remember Freddie as the wonderful lady with smiling eyes. She said once that even when she was sad, her eyes couldn't stop smiling. We are so grateful that we had the chance to get to know her and you, and we wish you all the very best.
Sally Gaebler
Cedar Rapids
IA
I met Freddie at St.Lukes when she was doing mail. I delivered flowers. She was such a great lady with a hug and big smile. I was blessed to know her. She will be missed by many. My condolences to you and your family. May the good memories with her comfort you in this time of sorrow. God bless! I had planned to attend the services Saturday evening. The weather kept me away and I felt so bad. Mavis Lovik
Mavis Lovik
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Howard & Family, We were really shocked to hear of Freddies passing. It's always been fun to get her Christmas greetings and especially this year seeing the quilts being worked on. In our short stay in Cedar Rapids, Freddie was so great at visiting on the phone and having us over for meals since we were newlyweds and away from our parents. We are grateful for her influence on our lives and happy to know we'll see her again some day in heaven. Love, Nancy & Steve Larson
Steve & Nancy Larson
Golden Valley
MN
A warm and bright light was dimmed at New Covenant when Freddie went home to be with her Lord. We will miss her ever beaming smile and warm greetings. But the Lord is richer yet for her presence there. God bless you all.