Gladys E. Schwefel, 100, of South Byron, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lomira.
She was born on December 5, 1912, in Fond du Lac, the daughter of the late Roy and Josephine (Oathout) Dille. Gladys was born legally deaf and blind. It is believed her mother contracted German measles when she was expecting Gladys. Gladys attended school for the deaf where she met Oscar Schwefel. They were united in marriage on November 1, 1935, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownsville and raised five children. Oscar preceded Gladys in death on January 12, 2000.
Gladys was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownsville. She will fondly be remembered for the enjoyment she received raising African violets and roses and being a member of the South Byron 500 Club. Gladys loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.
Those Gladys leaves behind to cherish her memory include three children, O. Paul (Elaine) Schwefel of Brownsville, Sally (Lowell) Boelk of Byron and June Nelson of Beaver Dam; two daughters-in-law, Kathy Schwefel of Brownsville and Sandy Schwefel (Dan) Massie of Beaver Dam; a brother, David (Joyce) Dille of Fond du Lac; ten grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Gladys was preceded in death by two sons, James and William Schwefel; a son-in-law, Jim Nelson; two brothers, Harold (Mabel) Dille and Eugene (Mary) Dille, and a sister, Eileen (Jerry) Mathes.
Funeral services for Gladys were held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September, 3, 2013, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownsville. Rev. William Carter officiated and burial was held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the church cemetery.
The Schwefel family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services.
Memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church were appreciated.