EDWARD LAWRENCE SCHIRM

    Edward Lawrence “Ed” Schirm of Citrus Springs, Florida, was born October 20, 1963 in Creston, Iowa, to the proud parents Rev. Harold Edward and Lena Mae “Lea” (Weaklend) Schirm. He was welcomed home by his big sisters Suzanne and Kathryn. Four years later, little sister Sharon was born and completed the family. Being a preacher’s kid meant Ed attended several schools over the years: Paton-Churdan, Winfield-Mt. Union and graduating from Beaman-Conrad-Liscomb High School in 1982. During high school, he was honored with his musical talents, going to All-State in both vocal and band. After high school, Ed attended both Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and Marshalltown Community College. While at Marshalltown Community College, he worked in the adult mentally challenged day care. He also worked at the Beaman Mini-Mart. Ed enlisted in the US Navy with attachment to the US Marine Corp as a medic. He was referred to as “Doc.” The military became his new family. With the Marines, he went to many “hot-spots” including the evacuation of Liberia, aiding in the evacuation of civilians. Ed served on the USS Austin and the USS Guam.
    After 21 years of service, Ed retired to Florida. Upon his death, he was traveling cross country to see a Navy buddy. He pulled over to sleep at a rest area in Wyoming, didn’t wake up, and was discovered on August 10, 2015.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother Gregory Joe Schirm; nephew Kelly Perry; 3 cousins; grandparents; and all his aunts and uncles.
    Left to cherish his memory are three sisters Suzanne (Allen) Brown of Clearfield, Iowa, Kathryn Schirm of Citrus Springs, Florida, and Sharon (Mike) Perry of Virginia; nephews Joshua Perry of Virginia, Jonathan (Ashley) Perry of Citrus Springs, Florida; niece Patricia (Darren) Burris of Fries, Virginia; twin great nephews Carter and Colton Perry of Citrus Springs, Florida; cousins; his military family and friends.
    Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 22, at the St. Charles Cemetery in St Charles, Iowa with Pastor Bill Armstrong officiating. Military rites will be by the US Navy Honor Guard. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow in the St. Charles Parish Church. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.