Dewayne T. Schamber

DeWayne T. Schamber, age 76, of Menno, SD passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Freeman Regional Health Services, Freeman, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Menno, with Rev. David Ellis officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, with Military Graveside Rites by the Rames-Bender American legion Post #152 and the SDARNG Honor Guard. Visitations will be 5 to 8 PM, Monday, at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, and then one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Stuart Schrag, Daniel Harnish, Kermit Schamber, Myron Gross, Scott Glanzer, and Stephanie Burgeson.

DeWayne was born August 1, 1936 on the family farm west of Freeman, SD to Theodore and Mary (Gross) Schamber. He helped his parents on the farm; however, it was not his calling in life. He was baptized August 30, 1936 by Rev. C.D. Eifert and confirmed May 31, 1953 by Rev. August Pera. After Heilbronn Lutheran Church was closed, he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno, SD. DeWayne attended Progressive #20 Grade School for 8 years and graduated from Freeman High School in 1954. He went on to graduate from Freeman Junior College with a two-year Business Certificate in 1956. He entered into the US Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961 serving in Richmond, VA and Ft. Ord, CA.

DeWayne always had a love for flowers and attended Floral Design School in Denver, CO in 1967. After graduation he worked for Christopherson's Flowers in Yankton, SD from 1967 to 2002. He enjoyed these 35 years and designed the flowers for many family weddings and other special occasions. DeWayne answered many questions regarding flowers and plants. After Christopherson's closed he worked for Country Cupboard in Yankton until November of 2012 when his health began failing.