Flora Schweitzer, 93, of Boise returned to her Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society – Boise Village.
Flora was born January 16, 1925, on the family farm in Gackle, North Dakota, to Christine (Bentz) and John Schmidt. Flora, the only daughter, was the third of four children. She learned to speak and write English, in addition to her native German when she began school at the one-room schoolhouse in Gackle, N.D. Flora completed 8th grade and was then needed to work full-time on the farm. At the age of 16, she worked at the local Gackle store and boarded in town.
Flora married Reinhold Schweitzer April 28, 1946 in Gackle, ND. Flora and Reinie left N.D. by train to settle in Boise, ID. Flora and Reinie raised two daughters, Donna and Julie. Flora was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and was active in many church activities including Sunday School, study groups and circles. In her later years, she also attended services at Redeemer Lutheran church.
Flora enjoyed bowling on a women’s league, gardening, visiting her many friends and attending her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events and activities. She also loved musicals and Lawrence Welk.
Flora spent countless hours with her grandchildren, Christina, Karen, Brett and Andrea. They brought such joy and laughter to her life. Flora was blessed by and loved her two great-grandsons, Charles and Alexander.
She was the cornerstone of our family and drew us all together with her love, impish grin, sense of humor and common sense. Go with love!
Flora is survived by daughters; Donna Freestone and Julie (Doug) Gates, Boise, ID; grandchildren, Christina (Ken) Dirk, Boise, ID, Karen (Justin) Tyler, Boise, ID, Brett (Shaunda) Gates, Boise, ID, Andrea Gates, San Francisco, CA; great-grandchildren, Charles and Alexander Dirk, Boise, ID; brother and sister-in-law, Edwin (Pat) Schmidt Oakpark Heights, MN, sister-in-law, Darlene Schweitzer, Boise, ID. Flora is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Flora was preceded in death by her mother and father, Christine and John Schmidt; stepmother, Eva Schmidt; husband, Reinhold Schweitzer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eldo (Freda) Schmidt, Arthur (Rachel) Schmidt; sister-in-law, Jean Schmidt; brother-in-law, William Schweitzer.
Thanks to the many friends and members of Immanuel and Redeemer Lutheran Churches for their kindness and prayers during Flora’s illness. A heartfelt thanks to the staff of Boise Good Samaritan for their loving care of Flora. God truly works through the staff at this facility. Special thanks to Corine, Stephanie, Tammy, Katie, Gayle, Virginia, Tracy and the many others who cared for Flora.
A celebration of Flora’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 24 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 707 W. Fort Street, Boise, ID. The Rev. Ken Carrothers and the Rev. Gretchen Bingea will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church or Good Samaritan Society, Boise Village.
1925 ~ 2018