Obituary of Edna Mildred Skamser

WHITEWATER - Edna Mildred Skamser , Age 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 22, 2009. Edna was born in Fillmore Country, Minnesota on July 5, 1923. She was raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin by Thomie and Julia Glenna, attending Wisconsin State University - Eau Claire, and Luther College of Nursing receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree and RN in nursing. She worked as a surgical nurse and supervised a surgical ward at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland during World War II. She married Wyland Norman Skamser at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on January 1, 1944. After Wyland returned home from serving in the US Navy in World War II, they moved to St. Paul, Minnesota and started their family. They later moved to Hector, Minnesota, Merrill, Wisconsin and lived in Whitewater, Wisconsin for over 40 years. She spent the last 3 years as a resident of the Fairhaven Retirement Center. Edna was active throughout her entire life in county, civic, church, cub scouts, girl scouts, boy scouts, non-profits and many volunteer activities. Edna was a longtime member of the First English Lutheran Church and was active in Alpha Club, Hope Circle, Pine Forest Chapter of OES and church circle. She was the first female President of the First English Lutheran Church Council and served on the board of directors for Skaalen Retirement Services, Inc. of Stoughton, Wisconsin. Her life was dedicated to her husband and children but she also enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, attending cultural events and traveling. Edna was first diagnosed with cancer in 1986 and valiantly battled many associated medical issues and post surgical complications up until her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomie and Julia Glenna, her sister Ruth and her beloved husband Wyland Norman Skamser. She is survived by her 3 children: son Steven Thomas Skamser (Carol) of Superior, Wisconsin, daughter Susan Louise Amhaus (Glenn) of Brighton, Michigan and son Charles Wyland Skamser (Karie) of Boise, Idaho; 7 grandchildren: Daniel (Lisa) Skamser, Jennifer Guymon(Chris), Kevin Amhaus (Karen), Scott Amhaus(Cathy), Laura Amhaus, Kyle Skamser and Anna Skamser; and, 9 great grandchildren: Andrew, William, Patrick, Matthew, Gregory, Rachel, Ryan, Benjamin and Owen. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 pm. Monday, July 27, 2009 at FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH in Whitewater with Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, Wisconsin. There is a Celebration of Life memorial service planned at FAIRHAVEN RETIREMENT CENTER at 10:00 am, Monday, July 27, 2009. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family,