Tribute to a Cousin
Following are the internet messages generated by my original message to the NC/SC-Roots mailing list to which Walter H. Schramm subscribed:
Subject: In memory of Wally Schramm
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 07:47:18 -0800
From: "Mary Ellen Wexler" Xme@wexonline.net
To: NC/SC-ROOTS genealogy list NC/SC-ROOTS@rmgate.pop.indiana.eduWally Schramm died 13 Dec 1996 and will be greatly missed. His wit and caring has coaxed many a newby (as well as more experienced users) to contribute to this list and to ask questions of others.
The first I heard from Wally was "Sedges have edges, Mary Ellen, and so do you!" That reply, in response to a global call for help with my EDGE line, won my heart. Not only was a stranger offering to discuss his family with me, but he was also doing it wi th humor and sensibility. We all get such cold responses to our queries or calls for help. Even with the little smiley faces, the media is not considered warm. Each and every note from Wally was filled with warmth and humor. This man really loved people and words -- and sharing! Each of us who has been touched by this gentle, loving man, is richer for it.
He has taught kindness, love, and trust, simply by asking a question and never doubting that some kind soul on the net would answer. And we did, grateful to be asked! If he had an article or an insight to share, he did so with no hesitation. My hope is that the seeds he planted of trust and childlike faith in his fellow man will grow and flourish despite his absence.
Thanks, Wally!
Mary Ellen Wexler
http://www.WexOnline.net/welcome.htm
EDGE CADENHEAD, AL>FL HARVEY, IN
Subject: Walter
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 11:15:27 -0500
From: "Clarice W. Mills" Xclaricemills@sprintmail.com
Hi Mary Ellen,I don't know you and I am sure you do not know me but we both knew Walter or Wally as you call him. I am secretary-treasurer for a small group here in Pitt County called Pitt County Family Researchers. Walter was a dear member of this group and he and I chatted often about his Hardee line plus his health and anything that came to mind. Walter was always so much fun to write to and to hear from. The last message I had from him was to tell me he was to have a heart transplant evaluation last Monday and I sent out an overall message to our 42 members on line and told everyone that my love & prayers were with him. I did not know it but he was in the hospital at the time and probably never even saw this messge but I know he knew how I felt. I really feel that Walter touched my life and I hope that I also did his. After Walter joined our group and I found he was working on the Faulk line I referred him to another member Col. Charles Schweizer of Glen Carbon, IL. Walter wrote me back and told me he got a big chuckle out of this as he and Charles had known each other probably long before I was born. They were the best of friends. I called Charles this morning to make sure he knew and he said the family called him yesterday morning.
I read your tribute to him that Martha Marble forwarded to me from NC/SC and he was so moved by it that he asked me to send him a copy. I have it ready now to mail. I do want to thank you Mary Ellen personally for your wonderful message, I know Walter would be so pleased. Thank you for being such a thoughtful person.
Sincerely,
Clarice W. Mills
The following was also from the same address:
Dear PCFR Members,
It is with a heavy heart that I send news to you of the death of Walter Schramm, one of our faithful members. Walter passed away on December 13, 1996. We have sustained shock and great loss by his passing. Though we never met in person, those of us who corresponded with him considered him a warm friend and a helpful member of our group. Walter's death leaves an emptiness in our hearts. We shall miss him.
Notes of condolence to his family may be sent to Six Kellogg Drive, Centralia, MO 65240-1549.
Janice Gurganus
Assistant Secretary
There were many more in the same vein, but they have been removed to make room for some stories Wally wrote and for an outline of his family tree.Thanks to all who shared their feelings about Wally!