Mercedes Schwartz, age 88, of Winsted, and formerly of Lester Prairie, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted.
She was born May 27, 1922, in Gibbon, the daughter of August and Emilie (Niemann) Leske. Mercedes was baptized as an infant, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School.
Mercedes was united in marriage to Elmer Schwartz Nov. 14, 1942. This marriage was blessed with two children.
Mercedes and Elmer resided in Lester Prairie, and shared 67 years of marriage, before Elmer died April 16, 2010.
Mercedes assisted her husband, Elmer, with their business, Schwartz Manufacturing in Lester Prairie.
She enjoyed flowers, gardening, the cabin at Sugar Lake, wintering in Arizona, and collecting dolls.
Mercedes was a member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, and an active member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and her bridge club.
She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mercedes is survived by her daughter, Wendy Driscoll and her husband, Tim of Maple Lake; grandchildren Troy Driscoll and his fiancée, Carrie Jevnick, and Brandy Larkin and her husband, Dan, all of Maple Lake; great-grandchildren Joseph, Jacob, Devon and Dylan; sisters Leanora Halstead and her husband, Chuck of Backus, and Darlin Dahlk of Litchfield; sisters-in-law Ruth Schwartz of Waconia, and Marion Schwartz of Hutchinson; brother-in-law Tom Perkins and his wife, Dorie of Honolulu, HI; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Elmer; Mercedes was preceded in death by her parents, August and Emilie Leske; a daughter, Bonnie Schwartz in 1966; special sister, Wenglin “Tookie” Perkins; sister Delain Vargason; sisters-in-law Helen Roepke, and Hilda Schmalz; and brothers-in-law Norman Schwartz, and Gilbert Schwartz.
Funeral services took place Monday, June 28 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church of Lester Prairie, with visitation for two hours prior to the services at the church. The Rev. Eric Nelson officiated. Marsha Christenson was the organist, and soloist Chuck Thiel sang “In The Garden” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” “Beautiful Savior” was the congregational hymn. Interment followed at the church cemetery.
Casket bearers were April Hoover, Diane Skogman, Kathy Feldman, James Halstead, James Kutzke, and Vickie Mead.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie. Online guest book available at www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com.
Leave a Reply