Lenore Barbara Schramm

Lenore Barbara Schramm 

August 24, 1932 – September 13, 2025

Lenore Barbara Schramm, age 93, of Munising, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at UPHS – Marquette, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 24, 1932, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, to Louis and Susan (Schumacher) Kleckner. Lenore attended St. Mary School and graduated from Port Washington High School.

Her career began in banking, working in bookkeeping at First National Bank and later at the State Bank of Port Washington. In the spring of 1959, she met Charles “Chuck” Schramm on a blind date arranged by their siblings. The two quickly fell in love and were married that fall on October 17, 1959. They briefly lived in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where they helped run Chuck’s parents’ resort on Scattering Rice Lake.

In 1966, Lenore and Chuck moved to Munising, Michigan, where she returned to the banking industry. She joined First National Bank of Alger County, moving from the teller line into loan coordination and customer service. She loved welcoming clients, and in turn, the community knew and loved her. She retired in 1995 after a long and rewarding career.

Lenore was a devoted member of the Munising community. She was active in Sacred Heart Church as a member of the St. Gerard Circle, a lector, and as a Eucharistic Minister. She also belonged to the Red Hat Society and enjoyed welcoming newcomers to the area. Her flower gardens were her pride and joy, and she spent countless hours tending to them. She and Chuck also enjoyed square dancing, and Lenore was always ready to dance.

After retirement, Lenore and Chuck spent winters in Texas and later Florida. They reunited with friends from Munising and easily made new ones—Lenore never met a stranger. She was known for her warmth and her favorite question when meeting someone new: “And where do you call home?”

Her hobbies included golfing, traveling, and playing cards. She was an avid Bridge player and, right up to the end, enjoyed afternoons of Hand & Foot with her good friend, Dot. Though Lenore rarely won, she cherished the time together — and the family often joked that Dot must have had a secret stash of wild cards up her sleeve. Along with those afternoons of cards, Lenore loved nothing more than talking about her grandchildren and sharing what they were up to, each story told with joy.

In 2013, Lenore was honored with induction into the Women’s Roll of Honor. She was a gifted quilter who poured her love into every piece. Over the years, she made more than 1,000 quilts, donating them to Hospice, St. Vincent de Paul, the Commission on Aging, the VA, and many other organizations. She also crocheted hats for the Baptist Church. Lenore enjoyed sharing her sewing talents with others as well, often helping out in the Home Economics sewing class while visiting her daughter, Char. Her family treasures the quilts she lovingly created for them.

Lenore had a grace and elegance about her—always dressed to the nines, hair styled, and nails painted. She was, truly, a lady.

She and Chuck shared over 55 years of marriage before his passing in December 2014. She missed him deeply but carried his memory with her through the many wonderful stories they created together.

Lenore is survived by her children: Thomas (Lisa) Schramm of Munising, Gary (Jen) Schramm of Waupun, WI, Charlene (Bill) Gariepy of Munising, Nancy (Michael) Amicangelo of Iron Mountain, and Lori (Scott) Balko of Marquette; her grandchildren: Courtney (Guisseppe) Bertucci, Jacob Schramm, Joel (Brooke) Schramm, Jillian Schramm, McKensey (Alex) Nunan, Blair Gariepy, Madison Balko, and Evan Balko; her great-grandchildren: Everly and Delaney; her sister Carol (Jack) Kirmse of Cambellsport, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chuck; her infant brother, Alfred; and brother-in-law Frederick J. Schramm.

Lenore’s legacy of kindness, warmth, and generosity will be carried on by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery. A time of visiting and fellowship will take place in LaMothe Hall following the burial.