Photo courtesy of Reiff Funeral Home - Farley
Farley, Iowa
Dec 16, 1948 – Oct 18, 2025
Star Mae Schlarmann, 76, of Clive, Iowa and formerly of Farley, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation for Star will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will continue after 9:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the funeral home.
Services for Star will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Steven Garner Presiding. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.
She was born December 16, 1948 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Andrew N. and Rita H. (Baldwin) Kertels. She is a 1966 graduate of the former St. Joseph’s School in Farley, Iowa. On January 7, 1967, she was united in marriage to Jerome Schlarmann at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Farley, Iowa.
She was employed at Guide One Insurance as an Agent for several years. Star loved to talk and entertain people. She was a loving and kind person, a terrific mother, and a wonderful grandmother. She used any excuse to get the family together, she always cherished her grandchildren. She enjoyed their pool and loved throwing pool parties. She was a woman of great faith. She played the accordian since she was in grade school, she had a great love for music.
She is survived by her husband, Jerome Schlarmann of Clive, Iowa; three children, Jerry Schlarmann of Urbandale, IA, Starla (John) Doerter of Des Moines, IA, and Andrew (Paula Baker) Schlarmann of Ankeny, IA; six grandchildren, Jonathan, Hannah, Carl, Riley, William and Stephen; her brothers, John (Mary) Kertels of Farley, IA, Nicholas (Chong) Kertels of Davenport, IA, Joseph (Rosanna) Kertels of Hinton, IA; and one sister, Rita (Clint) Butlett of Eldridge, IA.
She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Andrew Pat Kertels and one sister-in-law, Annette Kertels.
A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences left for the family at www.reifffuneral homeinc.com
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I grew up next door to Star in Farley. (Her house was between Connolly's and ours.) We studied music together. With her accordion, Star was the high point of every recital! The Kertels were great neighbors. We are very sorry for your loss.
Michele and Pat Greenwood
October 23, 2025 | Omaha, NE | Neighbor
I am so sorry for your family's loss, she was very nice to me and inviting she will be missed terribly. Lots of love and prayers to all of you. Rip Star
Amber Jordan
Amber Jordan
October 22, 2025 | Des Moines, IA | Friend
I'm so sorry to hear keeping the family in my prayers
Rose Slack
October 22, 2025 | Des Moines, IA | Friend
I grew up next door to Star in Farley. As young children we played together a lot. She was always kind. I remember watching her practice her accordion. She loved it.. My sympathy to Jerry and the family.
Cathy Connolly Wickler.
Cathy Connolly Wickler
October 20, 2025 | Waukesha, WI
Star was a woman who loved nice things. Her home sparkled with gold and silver, and her carpets felt and smelled like clouds. Growing up, we were lucky just to be allowed to sit on the living room couch and take it all in. I’ll never forget when she taught me how to vacuum — and made sure I did it as well as Andy, or better. I never quite did good enough. But her living room design? Top notch in my book.
Jonathan Bricker
October 20, 2025 | Conrad, IA | Friend
I am so sorry to hear about Star's passing. She was such a wonderful person I knew from Farley. My condolences to all who loved Star.
Carol Freeze
October 19, 2025 | Farley, IA | Friend
