Juletta, from Rockville, went to her eternal reward last week, Jan. 10. Having made it past her 88th birthday, she was ready to join the ranks of her friends and relatives, and the Blessed Mother in Heaven. She had spent her entire life being a worthy woman, as reflected by the scripture verses read at her funeral. She had a generous heart, and was always ready to reach out and make all feel welcome at her home.
Growing up in a farm neighborhood, just east of town in Rockville, the Joe and Mary Dietman family enjoyed a happy family life. She married Gregor Schneider in her home parish of Mary of the Immaculate Conception; it was her dream come true. But, being a mother was her fondest wish. Along came Greg Jr. and Elaine, Judy (d.), Kathy, and JoAnn. Not to be out done in this neighborhood of large families, Juletta and Gregor continued with Mark, Pat, Rosie and Mary. Juletta?Äôs hands were always busy, when not cuddling a child, she was baking, crocheting, needle point, quilting, making sausage, wedding cakes and gardening. Just for fun (or at times, very serious), she would play cards, and through it all, she prayed her beads.
Her 20 grandkids (and seven great grandkids), know of her love for the Blessed Mother, shown by her devotion to the Rosary. She urged all to never give up, and she always depended on Mary to get Jesus’ attention when in need.
At her funeral mass, Fr. Ron Weyrens shared some family memories of Juletta. She always loved stories, so he told one, (All will remember where the cheese came from.)
“Juletta was giving, loving, thoughtful and compassionate. Led by her example, they are learning to understand the great love God has for all of us. We are all filled with hope, based on the promises of God, that He loves us and wants to be with us. Often, Juletta came to this table in this church to receive our Lord, to be with Him. Now we gather here, with her, as the Lord takes her home, the gift that was Juletta, is now resting joyfully with Jesus.”
The beautiful words and notes of the song “Hail Mary” echoed throughout the church. Grace Schneider, (teen relative), sang it for a couple verses until, almost everybody couldn’t resist and joined in. “Teach us wisdom, teach us love.”
The grandson pallbearers escorted Juletta to the local cemetery, accompanied by almost everyone.
On this day Jan. 16, the final farewell occurred when Fr. Ron again, took over, quoting from Scripture, “Well done, my faithful servant, come to the fullness of eternal life.”