Obituary of Norma Jane "Erickson" Schamens

Norma Jane “Erickson” Schamens was the daughter of the late Otis M and Sadie C Erickson. She was born, October 21, 1932, baptized on Nov. 13 1932 and confirmed May 19, 1946 at St John Lutheran Church in Sparta WI. Her mother said she came out of the womb playing the piano. One day, at age 4, her mother asked her why she was crying. She replied “I want a piano.” Norma Jane graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota in 1954. Yes, she sang in the well known St Olaf Choir, starting her first year at St Olaf. She also earned a Master of Arts Degree in management from Webster College, St Louis Mo. Norma Jane was the choral director at Tomah High School, Tomah, Wisconsin when she met her husband at a music conference in La Crosse Wisconsin. Life changed to the “fast lane” for Jane---the name she prefers--on the day she married Ken, July 21, 1956. They flew off to Texas on their honeymoon so Ken could enter USAF pilot training the next day. Jane has been “flying” ever since. While her pilot husband flew around the world, Jane served her Lord and her family as church musician, household engineer, logistics and transportation coordinator for 14 re-locations while actively teaching and mothering three children, David, Julie and Thomas. Jane was involved in the development of Lutheran mission congregations and taught school in Greenville, S.C.; Tachikawa, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand, O'Fallon, Ill., Anderson, S.C., and Gainesville, Florida. She served as organist and choir director at Good Shepherd Lutheran, Greenville, SC, Martin Luther (now Trinity Lutheran), Savannah, GA, Bethany Lutheran, Alexandria, VA, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Collinsville, IL, Faith Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran, O’Fallon, IL, Abiding Savior Lutheran, in Anderson, SC, Abiding Savior Lutheran in Gainesville, FL as well as Armed Forces and civilian missions in Japan, and Thailand. Jane was both a composer and a servant leader. Her musical composition was selected by the International Lutheran Layman League (LLL) and sung at their 1991 Convention. In 1987, she was one of four ladies in the United States selected by the International Lutheran Women's Missionary League (ILWML) to represent them as a "Discipling-Woman-to-Woman" in Great Britain. She served as President of the Carolina's District, LWML from 1988-1991 and Vice President of the Florida-Georgia District LWML from 1993-1999. She was one of the initial 20 LCMS women chosen nationwide to train as a consultant for Mission, Ministry, and Vision. She served as a Florida-Georgia lay delegate to the 2001 synodical convention. In 2002, Jane received the Behnken Veterans of the Cross Medallion for her musical service to the Lord and His church. After 25 years as part the Air Force family, the Chief of Staff, USAF, wrote: “Jane has earned grateful appreciation for her own unselfish, faithful and devoted service. Her unfailing support and understanding helped to make possible her husband’s lasting contribution to the nation.” Since 1981, Jane has not only been a devoted and loving pastor’s wife, she has made numerous musical and leadership contributions to our Lord. While she was a tower of strength for her husband and family, she was tireless in setting the highest standards for excellence as a church organist providing valuable lay leadership to the global mission of connecting Jesus to people’s lives. Norma Jane Schamens was truly a loving servant of Christ now celebrating eternity with Him. She is survived by her husband Ken, children David, Julie (Gaither) and Thomas and grandchildren: Kathryn Schamens, Kristin Gaither, Kendal Marie Schamens and Ericson Schamens, Maurice Schamens (brother-in-law), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 9700 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32606. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Abiding Savior Pastoral Scholarship Fund. You may remotely attend the service by logging on to https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8591515817