Jean Schanzmeyer

Norma “Jean” Schanzmeyer, 92, Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Primrose Retirement Community.

Jean was born August 13, 1932, at Hoecker, Mo., a daughter of Johnnie and Essie (Cowen) Gray. She grew up in Meta and graduated from Meta High School in 1951. On November 27, 1952, she was united in marriage to Bernard A. Schanzmeyer at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. They had 70 wonderful years together. Bernard preceded her in death on June 12, 2023. She and Bernard loved to dance and attended dances held at the Eagles Club, Capital Ritz, and Lodge of Four Seasons. The couple traveled to more than 30 countries. They enjoyed going on cruise ships, especially cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Alaska. From 1998-2010, the couple spent one month in the winter at Sanibel Island, Fla. 

Jean was a homemaker — a loving wife, a devoted mother to her “Precious Five,” and a beloved “Granny.” Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to cook, especially for large family gatherings. Her pies, cobblers, and Thanksgiving turkey and dressing were family favorites. 

From 1956-2019, she and Bernard had a place at the Lake of the Ozarks. They enjoyed boating, water skiing, and fishing for crappie, bass, carp, and catfish. She hosted many fish frys and potluck meals with family at their place on the lake. Some of her favorite lake memories included spending a week each year fishing with her sisters and brother.  In 2016, she and Bernard moved into Primrose Retirement Community, where she enjoyed playing bingo, attending Mass on Sundays, and reciting the Rosary on Wednesdays.  Jean was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish and a co-owner of deVille Southwest Properties in Jefferson City. 

Survivors include five daughters; Rhonda Saucier (Matt), Taos; Marsha Smith (Tom), Columbia; Karla Houchins (Chuck), Holts Summit; Gayla Westergaard (Ty), Olean; and Stacia Kellett (Scott), Goodland, Fla.; and 11 grandchildren: Beth Houseworth (Jason), Mandy Kozminske (Kevin), Brandon Saucier (Sarah), Adam Smith (Emily), Megan Cornelius, Audrey Houchins (Kevin Thoenen), Danielle Fischer (John), Nathan Hays (Amanda), Rachel Hays, Hunter Kellett, and Wyatt Kellett; one step-grandson: Chris Westergaard; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, James “Bud” Gray (Joan), Salem, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.  Jean was preceded in death by her parents and five sisters: Margie Roberds (Dorsey), Lois Allen (Bill), Dorothy Taylor (Cecil), Phyllis Koerber (Jerome), and Donna Schaefferkoetter (Don). She also is preceded by her sisters-in-law: Beatrice Kroll (Ted), Marie Schanzmeyer, and Imelda Scheppers (Gus) and brothers-in-law: Joseph “Bud” (Irene), Arthur, Patrick (Patty), Hank, and Gilbert (Helen) Schanzmeyer. 

Visitation will be Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral with Reverend Fr. Stephen Jones officiating. Entombment will be held immediately following the Mass at the Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the St. Joseph Cathedral School, 2303 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109; Helias Foundation, 1312 Southwest Blvd., Suite 103, Jefferson City, MO 65109; or Compassus Hospice, 3405 W. Truman Blvd., Suite 210, Jefferson City, MO 65109.