Lee Marie (Schaefer) Schwab

 Lee Marie Schwab, 88, of Freedom passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022.

The daughter of Leona (Metzger) Schaefer and Herman Schaefer, Lee graduated from Monroe High School in St Paul, MN where she met her future husband, Dennis Schwab, who survives her. They were married on December 26th, 1953, at St Luke’s Catholic Church, St Paul, MN. They were married 69 years. A certified Director of Religious Education, Lee served the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was instrumental in developing and implementing religious education programs in Stevens Point and Waupaca parishes.

Lee had six children: Jeffrey (deceased), Craig (deceased), Mark, Paul (Sue), Jill (Michael) De Beck and Kimberly (Mark) Schaberg (deceased), eight grandchildren: Timothy, Kristy, Isaac (McKenzie), Sarah, Hayley (Kyle), Rebecca, Aaron and Samuel, Nikki (close family friend), and 3 great grandchildren: Jayden, Gavin, and Keaton.

Lee had 12 siblings and is survived by sisters Gloria (Joe) Cascalenda and Janet (Schaefer) Saver, and preceded in death by: Lucille (Schweitzer), Adeline (Lendway), Florence (Schumaker), Harvey, Norma, Robert, Helen, Richard, Raymond, and Donald.

Lee created a loving home where everyone was welcome, including all our neighborhood friends. There was always a bowl of popcorn and Kool-Aid waiting for us after playing outside all day. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and a master party planner. Her holiday designs and home decorating skills were the envy of the neighborhood. An active member of her community, she infused her many charitable endeavors with her creativity, effortlessly transforming even small events into beautiful occasions. One of her favorite quotes was from Padre Pio: Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry.”

Season after season, mom made every family get together something truly magical. She brought beauty into everything she did, never sacrificing the extraordinary for practicality. Every gift she wrapped was a work of art. Her cookies, cakes and treats were never in short supply to the delight of her grandchildren. Through many family moves, Lee made lasting friendships due to her generous heart and her ability to find beauty in others.

Mass of Resurrection, with Fr. Robert Chinnapan as celebrant, will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W 2037 county rd S, Freedom, WI on Monday, December 12, 2002 at 12:00 p.m.  A time of visitation begins at 11:00 am followed by mass. Burial to follow at St Nicholas cemetery. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the doctors and the caring nurses at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, WI.

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