Nicholas Schurke

Sadly, we have received word of the sudden passing of Nicholas Schurke, a member of our extended CdLS Family. Our hearts are aching and our thoughts and prayers go out to his Mom, Dad, and little brother and also to the rest of his family. Life really is fragile and you never know what each day will bring. I am sharing the message we received from his parents through our online support group, his obituary, and a precious photo. Please take a moment today to pray for this family and all children affected by Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. We hope the Schurke Family finds the comfort and support they will need in the weeks and months to come.

Hi Cdls family.
I have not been as active in the group as I used to be ,but felt I needed to share our grief with you.
Our son Nicholas Toffer Schurke age 4 passed away while sleeping on our couch last evening(11/20) .
We are unsure of the cause, but know that he was not feeling well as he was napping quite a bit and just not himself. We thought he was just getting his usual winter cold that usually lasts a few days and has him acting the way he was. I was holding him minutes before he passed away. I had layed him down to finish supper and relized he wasn't snoring like when I had left him. Only minutes had passed, but he was not breathing and after my CPR and 30min with the EMT's Chris and I decided it was time to let Nick rest.
I have cried alot and just when I think I am done another wave comes or another loved one calls and it starts all over again.
We will have a service in Minneapolis on Tues afternoon with burial in Ely on Wed moring.
I thank everyone for all the advice and support we have received through the years. It was a rewarding, but challenging honor to have Nicky as our son. He has changed our family in more ways than we can count.

Sarah and Chris
mom to Angel Nick 4yr and Logan 1yr

Nicholas Toffer Schurke, 4, of Zumbrota
The Republican Eagle
Published Monday, November 24, 2008
Nicholas Toffer Schurke, 4, of Zumbrota, died Thursday at his home. Born March 6, 2004, in Duluth, Minn., to Christopher and Sarah (Wetzel) Schurke, he grew up in Zumbrota and was attending preschool in Zumbrota. He enjoyed watching loud bands in parades, paging through books and taking rides in his stroller and red wagon.

Survivors include his parents Christopher and Sarah Schurke of Zumbrota; one brother, Logan; paternal grandparents Roger and Merryl Schurke of Andover, Minn.; maternal grandparents Thomas and Rebecca Wetzel of Ely, Minn.; paternal great-grandmother, Lois Schurke of Minneapolis; maternal great-grandparents Howard and Lil Olson of Fargo, N.D., and Arn and Lee Wetzel of Wells, Minn. He was preceded in death by paternal great-grandparents G. Roger Schurke and John and Jean Koehler.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. today at Oak Haven Church, 1555 Constance Blvd. N.E., Ham Lake, Minn., with the Revs. Tim Walker and Tim Cook officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Ely Cemetery, Ely, Minn. Visitation will be one hour before the service today at the church. Pallbearers will be his uncles, Jay and John Wetzel and Chris and Nate Schurke. Memorials are preferred to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, 302 W. Main St. Suit 100, Avon, CT 06001, info@cdlsusa.org. Arrangements are with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota.