Frances Schwichtenberg

     Frances Schwichtenberg, age 88, most recently a resident of the Concord Care Center, Garner, Iowa, died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013 at the Concord Care Center, Garner.  

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, Klemme. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. 

Frances was born Nov. 25, 1924, in Moss Point, Miss., to Lawrence and Hattie Graff, and graduated from Moss Point High School.  She met John Schwichtenberg at a USO dance in Biloxi, Miss., in Oct. 1944, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.  Their friendship grew to marriage in Dec. 1947.  Faith, music and dancing were cornerstones of their relationship. 

Frances loved spending time with her family and caring for others. She was host mother to three foreign exchange students, as well as a foster mother. 

She loved gardening and sharing her beautiful flowers with others. She also enjoyed researching family genealogy. 

She honored the Lord through her faith by being active and serving in a variety of capacities at Klemme United Methodist Church, including as a Sunday school teacher, youth director and Bible study leader.  

She was also involved in the Swaledale Garden Club, Thought and Thimble neighborhood club, a 4-H club leader, and many other organizations. 

Frances is survived by husband, John Schwichtenberg, Clear Lake; three sisters, Hazel (Robert) Trehern, Mobile, Ala., Jaynice DeAngelo, Dothan, Ala., and Mona (Frank) Watford, Panama Beach, Fla.; four children, John Jr., Thornton, Iowa,  Raymond (Cathy) Schwichtenberg, Nevada, Iowa, Mike (Tamara) Schwichtenberg, Clear Lake, and Janice (Jerry) Burke, Castle Rock, Colo.; grandchildren, Angela, Abby, Kelli, Bethany, Joel, Erik, Alex, Casey, Daniel, Lauren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lawrence (Buddy) Graff, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Klemme Methodist Church. 

Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.