Donald George Schram

Donald George Schram, 84, of Berrien Center, MI passed away December 28, 2020 at the home of his step-daughter, Cynthia Layman, in Berrien Springs. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Chapel, 8747 U.S. Hwy 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. A private graveside service will take place at a later date. Those who wish to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.Heritage-Chapel.com. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3713 Naomi Rd., Sodus, MI 49126. Don was born January 18, 1936 in Benton Harbor, MI to Albert H. and Lydia (Baab) Schram. He and his two brothers, Richard and Roland, grew up on the Schram family farm on River Rd. in Sodus. He enjoyed reminiscing and sharing his experiences and responsibilities while there. From walking to a country school in deep snow, milking cows, planting and harvesting all types of fruits and vegetables to hunting and fishing along the riverbank on the farm - he loved every minute. Due to his German heritage and family members speaking German, German POW’s worked on the farm during World War II. He made countless trips to the farmer’s market, often up at night monitoring temperatures to prevent crops from freezing and enjoying the seasons was all he knew for many years. His greatest passion was making things grow. Don graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1954. On February 1, 1969, Don married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Kublick, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sodus. Together they enjoyed snowmobiling with the Berrien County Trail Blazers Snow Mobile Club, traveling around the United States for pleasure and to visit their children and spend time with their families. His pastimes included gardening, growing flowers, taking drives in the countryside, visiting with friends at Hopper’s and McDonald’s, sharing his sense of humor with everyone he met and “air-whistling”. Most of all, Don was a very devoted husband, father and step-father unconditionally and selflessly putting the needs of his family first. His fun-natured, easy-going, positive personality will be dearly missed. Don is survived by his granddaughter, Katherine Schram of Knoxville, TN; step-daughter, Cynthia Layman, of Berrien Springs, MI; step-son, Bradley Layman of Highlands Ranch, CO; daughter-in-law, Carol Schram of Knoxville, TN; step-grandsons, Keith Layman and Nicholas Layman both of Highlands Ranch, CO; brothers, Richard (Charlotte) Schram of Bridgman and Roland (Sandy) Schram; sister-in-law, Nancy (Paul) Kizer of Ann Arbor, MI; brother-in-law, Ronald Kublick of Eau Claire, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his wife, parents and son, Kevin Schram.