Mary Schwabe

1936-2023

Mary Schwabe, 86, of Carroll, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll.

A private family funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 9, at Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with Father Patrick Behm officiating. Casket bearers will be Michael Schwabe, Ryan Schwabe, Adam Klocke, Kyler Riesberg, Bryan Smouse and Jordan Janson. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Sharp Funeral Home, and online condolences may be left for Mary’s family at https://url.avanan.click/v2/___www.sharpfuneral.com___.YXAzOmlvd2FpbmZvcm1hdGlvbjphOm86ODcyZWMxMTg0MWY1MjYzMjIxMmNlMjUzZDYwOWMwOTU6Njo2NWQwOjY1YTk4MmI0OTg3YmEzMmFlOWZiZGUxMjU1ZTEwNjc0OTQyOGYxMTllNmMwZjFjOWM1N2Q3YWYzMmZjMWUyZDQ6dDpU.

Mary was born on Sept. 8, 1936, in Carroll, Iowa to John and Alma (Frommelt) Heithoff. Mary spent her childhood in Carroll and graduated from St. Angela’s Academy. In 1956, she married James Schwabe, and five beautiful children were born to the couple.

Mary spent her lifetime caring for her family and working in various jobs: GE, Northwestern Bell, Kwik Stop and Carroll Apothecary. Her greatest joy was raising her children and watching her grandchildren grow up. Her hands were never still. From raising her children, spoiling her grandchildren, sewing endless amounts of clothing, Christmas Eve gatherings around the record player, playing pass the ace, making the best potato salad, kitchen table talks with whomever walked through her door, nightly “Wheel of Fortune” viewing, and watching her beloved Chicago Cubs, her hands were always full, but her heart was much fuller.

Her legacy to her family is that “It’s the little things that make life big.” It was all the little things that Mary did every day that made her family feel so loved and valued. She was so full of love, patience, life lessons, and understanding. She was a blessing to all whom she encountered.

Mary is survived by her five children and their families: Dan Schwabe (Jane) of St. Joseph, Missouri, Dean Schwabe (Carol) of Carroll, Lisa Hanke (Scott) of Carroll, Lori Klocke (Terry) and Lynn Riesberg (John) of Carroll; 15 grandchildren: Becky Smouse (Bryan) of Shawnee, Kansas, Lindsey Baumeister (Cody) of Carroll, Cori Schwabe (Ian) of Edinburgh, UK, Michael Schwabe (Ali) of Omaha, Nebraska, Jennie Schwabe of St. Joseph, Missouri, Katie Schwabe of St. Joseph, Ryan Schwabe (Angie) of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Renee Brincks (Kyle) of Carroll, Jessica Janson (Jordan) of Carroll, Brooke Bierl (Colin) of Carroll, Paige Grossman (Tyler) of Dedham, Iowa, Adam Klocke (Nikki) of Halbur, Iowa, Haley Drees (Greg) of Scranton, Iowa, Kyler Riesberg (Leah) of Carroll and Rylie Riesberg of Carroll; 29 great-grandchildren: Codel, Owen, Calie, Harper, Taylor, Jack, Olivia, Kyra, Ella, Jada, Jedd, Caden, Crue, Emerson, Ensley, Jace, Breya, Barrett, Blakelyn, Remington, Everleigh, Easton, Skylar, Shaylar, Carson, Andrew, Lily, Kyson, Lainey, and one on the way; and two brothers: Howard Heithoff and Wayne Heithoff.

She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Alma Heithoff; siblings Vernon Heithoff, Robert Heithoff, Floyd Heithoff and Florence Heithoff; and great-grandson Ryder Grossman.