Idella J. Schwanke

SCHWANKE, IDELLA J. (nee COURCHANE)

Idella J. Schwanke passed away peacefully into her loving God?s arms with her family at her side Wednesday morning September 1, 2010 after a long and loving life. She was born in Lena, Wisconsin on March 26, 1913, the youngest of ten children of Frank and Caroline (Lenneville) Courchane, and spent 92 years of her life in Kimberly raising her family. She did many things in her 97 years but the most important was the imprint of love, loyalty and friendship she placed on everyone who knew her. Her favorite phrase: “Life is good if you don't weaken.” She had a spunk, sass and sensibility about her that never diminished her sensitivity and strength.

She is survived by her children: Jim (Jean) Schwanke, Muskego; Bill (Pam) Schwanke, DePere and Mary Sue (Bob) Kreikamp, Combined Locks; her grandchildren: Lisa (John) Stangler and Sara Schwanke; Sandy (Caleb) Emerich, Rob (Gina) Schwanke, Brian (Jennifer) Clark, and Kristen Clark; Chad (Karla) Kreikamp and Amy (Brett) Griffin; her great-grandchildren: Abby, Ben and Alison Stangler; Preston and Ella Emerich; Dane and Devon Clark; Dawson Doro; Ellie, Ray and Kate Griffin. She is further survived by her friend and niece, Marie Vander Zanden; her nephew, Robert (Donna) Welch and many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Raymond Schwanke (1985), her son, Thomas Schwanke, her sisters: Eva (Ed) Krueger, Emma Courchaine, Lovina (Gordon) Welch; her brothers: John, Tref (Honey), Frank (Clarice), Bill (Mary), Adolph “Dud” (Millie), and Vic (Martha) Courchane; brothers and sisters-in-law: Irene (Bernard) Spaay, August (Betty), Agnes (Herbert) Brandt, Sylvester (Ann), Ruth (Stan) Lachman, RoseAnn (Joe) Freund and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral liturgy for Idella will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH ? KIMBERLY, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue with Father David Beaudry officiating. Interment will take place at the parish cemetery. A time of visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name.

Our mom was a living example of God's grace on this earth.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Bellin Hospital and Unity Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Ave.
Kimberly, WI 54140
(920)788-6202