Erika (Schieffelbein) Kohlmeyer

Erika Kohlmeyer passed away on July 8, 2022, after a long journey with cancer. She was an extraordinarily strong person throughout the course of her life, no less so with this illness. She exceeded all medical expectations at every stage of that final journey which spanned over three and a half years. What we as her family witnessed during that time was a testament to just how strong a person our mother truly was. That undeniable strength was with her until the last day of her life.  

That formidable foundation of strength was laid early in life for Erika. She was born in Germany on May 24, 1941. Her father was taken prisoner of war and brought to America during the early years of her life. As a child she travelled with her mother, grandmother and sister in Poland and Germany to survive the end of WWII- travels that included sometimes harrowing experiences that she could still recall as an adult. Despite daunting odds, her father found the family in Germany in 1947 and they relocated to America in 1952.

The family first lived in Texas, then Colorado, before settling in Minnesota. The land around Chatfield resembled their homeland in landscape and climate and was a comforting harbor of strong German heritage in the midst of a still challenging post-war climate in America. Here in Chatfield, they had found their new home. Erika worked the farm with her family as she grew up and learned an entirely new language and culture. She graduated from Chatfield High School, then moved to Rochester to spend a stint of time working at Waters Connelly. She married Roland Kohlmeyer on July 15, 1961. They eventually took over the Kohlmeyer family farm outside of Fountain, Minnesota. Over the next 24 years Roland and Erika had 4 children and built a thriving farm business. Erika loved being a partner in building that farm and family, and she thrived in that role. They had the good fortune living in a stellar community with many friends during those years. We as her children all remember the bowling league nights, the raucous card club get togethers, the lively neighborhood parties with pig roasts- all with laughs galore. 

Erika and Roland eventually divorced, ushering a new chapter of discovery in life for Erika. She sought education to become a beautician, then eventually went on to open three separate hair salons over the next few decades. She loved to dance and listen to polka. She was a self-taught artist who greatly enjoyed her time painting and sharing in friendships as a member of the local Art Club. Her cooking, particularly the German fare, was a point of pride for groups large or small. Erika loved to travel; she explored Germany, Curaçao, St. Lucia, US Virgin Islands, Cozumel, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Jamaica, China; she also went to at least 11 US states including Hawaii and Alaska. As she got older, she wanted to stay closer to home, but still maintained an active social life. She so enjoyed her time in card club, music in the park, going to shows at the Chatfield auditorium, and tearing up the bingo halls from Chatfield to Minneapolis. 

She was a victim of significant memory loss in her final years, but she never lost an ounce of the love she had for her family, friends, and community. She remembered and loved us all. We love you, too Ma… and we miss you already.

Erika is survived by her children Kevin Kohlmeyer (Jackie), Lyndon Kohlmeyer, Heidi Kohlmeyer, Kristal Kohlmeyer (Samantha Pullen), granddaughter Mikaela Kohlmeyer (Nolan Salerno), sister Irmgard Madsen (Dick Madsen), sister Siegrun Mills, brother Erwin Schieffelbein (Theresa Schieffelbein). She is preceded in death by her parents Emil and Hilda Schieffelbein. 

Please join us at the Chatfield City Park on 8/20/2022 to do just that we
will provide food and drinks, and there will be a live accordionist
to play the music she loved most! Please come and enjoy. We’d love
for people to share any favorite stories or memories of Erika, or any
other thoughts you’d like to offer. There will be ongoing opportunity
to do so at any point during the celebration!
Family will be holding a small graveside internment gathering at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at 11:00 am- close friends are welcome to
join. Pastor Nissa Peterson will be offering prayers at both events, and family
will deliver eulogy to open celebration in the park at 12:30.
Location: Chatfield City Park
Date 8/20/2022
Time: 12:30pm-4pm
Please RSVP to Kristal
Kohlmeyer by 8/15/2022 to aid
in catering planning as well as to
provide contact info should venue
need to be changed due to
weather
Text: 612-991-6557
Email : eccrow@gmail.com

Riley Funeral & Cremation Service, is assisting the Kohlmeyer family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.