Erna Mae was born on February 8, 1939, in Eagle Lake, Texas, to Otto John Class and Lena (Menke) Class. Upon her marriage to Harold Otto Schriefer, she became a proud United States Navy wife. Within days of their marriage, she left her humble life in Alleyton, Texas, and spent the United States. During this time, they were blessed with four children, whom she devoted her life to raising with love, strength, and sacrifice.

Erna Mae was a dedicated, loving wife and mother, but her care extended far beyond her own household. Having been raised with nine siblings, she naturally became a blessing to many young military wives, teaching them how to cook, sew, and care for their fami l ies. Her servant’s heart continued throughout her life through years of teaching, volunteering, and service with the VFW, including several terms where she and Harold served together while he held the role of Post Commander of the local chapter.

In her professional life, Erna Mae was known for her exceptional attention to detail in her career as a component quality inspector within the electrical manufacturing industry, where her work became some of the most sought-after components in her region. No matter her role, she approached everything with pride, diligence, and integrity.

Most of all, Erna Mae’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She treasured her regular phone calls with siblings, children, and grandchi ldren— checking in, sharing stories, laughter, and love. Her award-winning pecan pie and upside-down German chocolate cake were legendary, lovingly shared at family gatherings and special occasions. She instilled in her family the belief that family should always take care of one another. Her devotion to family was only surpassed by her strong and unwavering faith in God, which guided her life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold O. Schriefer; her parents, Otto J. and Lena Class; her brother, Lee Neimeyer; and her sisters, Wilma Lamberth, Virginia Chollett, Gussie Mazoch, and Helen Cervenka.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-inlaw, Robert and Sandy Schriefer, Ronnie Schriefer, Randy and Melanie Schriefer, and her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Roland Lira. She is also survived by grandchi ldren: Tonya, Alan, Shelby, Sierra, Samuel, Denny, Daryl, Tiffany, and Tyler, and great-grandchildren, Daemon, Alana, Matthias, Raelynn, Laila, Murphy, Morrison, and Isla who brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her siblings: her brother Johnny Class and wife Janis of Sealy; her sisters Bernice Peikert and husband Marvin of Sealy, and Dorthy Scheffler and husband Al Joe of Houston. Visitation will be held on January 2, 2025, beginning at 4:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home, 1515 Montezuma St., Columbus, Texas.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Roch Catholic Church, 1600 Frelsburg Road, Alleyton, Texas, with burial to follow at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at Hound Song Restaurant, 535 Walnut St., Columbus, Texas.

The family suggests that donations be made to the Fleet Reserve Association (https://www.fra.org/ fra/ Web/Custom_Donation_ Landing_Page.aspx) or to the charity of your choice.

With grateful hearts, we entrust Erna Mae to God’s eternal care, confident she has been welcomed home with the words, “Wel l done, good and faithful servant.” Though deeply missed, her love, faith, and example will live on through the generations she so faithfully nurtured.