Inez May Schwoch

Inez May Schwoch passed away peacefully at Samaritan Health Center in West Bend, Wisconsin, on July 19, 2023. She was 96 years old.

Inez was born on January 5, 1927, in Brownsville, Wisconsin, the first of seven children to Carl and Erna Gust (nee Rucks). During her childhood, Inez cherished summers at her grandparent’s farm. She graduated from Abbotsford schools in 1945 and earned her teacher’s certification at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. There, she met Elaine Pauli, a dear, lifelong friend with whom she shared many adventures into their 80s. Inez took classes at UWWC and taught at St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Dorchester and St. John’s Lutheran School in West Bend from 1954-1958.

Inez met her future husband through a pen-pal program for World War Two soldiers. Inez’s friend drew the name “Elmer Schwoch” but didn’t like how it sounded, so Inez took Elmer as her pen pal. This was the start of their courtship.

Inez and Elmer were married on June 30, 1952, and made their home in West Bend. They adopted two children, Ronald Lee, and Rebecca Lynn. Inez played a hands-on role in Ron’s education, working diligently with him on his reading and homework. Inez and Ron remained close, each looking out for the other. Inez, Elmer, and Ron were consistently spotted in the stands wearing their maroon and gold West Bend East Suns sweatshirts during Rebecca’s home and away basketball games. In every photo, Inez held a sharpened pencil; she took meticulous team stats, which they’d discuss on rides home.

Inez was an active volunteer, unafraid to learn or try new things. While her children were in school, she was a room mother, teacher’s aide, a project leader for the Badger Boosters 4-H Club, and occasionally, a substitute teacher. She was a member of the St. John’s Ladies Guild, where she helped launch the popular Apple Kuchen Sale, and eventually held positions as treasurer and president. Her baking - especially butter horns and cinnamon rolls - sold out early at rummage and bake sales. She lost a bid for West Bend City Council in 1984. Her campaign flyer summarized her conviction that “public servants should be receptive and responsive to the public.” She drafted her family into many of her adventures - peeling thousands of pounds of apples, frosting dozens of pastries, and door-knocking throughout the third district - leaving a stream of (delicious) memories.

After Elmer retired, they moved to a condominium on Hilltop Drive, where Inez soon joined the condo association board and became treasurer. She wrote and self-published two family cookbooks, fueling her and Elmer’s “cookbook runs” - road trips around the Midwest to sell and stock cookbooks at family restaurants and gift shops. Dozens of family members cherish and use these cookbooks over 30 years later.

Inez loved music, especially classical and church music. She taught herself to play the organ and treasured her role as organist at Pilgrim Lutheran church. She practiced one morning a week at church, accompanied the choir at Tuesday night practices, and played most Sundays.

Inez will be deeply missed by her devoted sisters, Faith Gust and Carol Ehnert, and her daughter, Rebecca Ryan (Lauren Azar). Other survivors include her sister Bernadine Faul (Charles Faul), nieces, and nephews.

Inez was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Elmer Schwoch; her son Ronald Schwoch; her brothers David Gust, Roger Gust (Elaine), and Richard Gust (Marilyn); and other relatives and friends.

Faith, Carol, and Rebecca are deeply grateful to the nurses, CNAs, and Samaritan Health Center, for their devoted and loving care and to Allay Hospice for their attentiveness to Inez’s comfort in her final weeks. Pastors Joseph Fisher and Christopher Raffa met Inez’s spiritual needs.

Inez’s funeral will be Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 462 Meadowbrook Dr, West Bend, Wisconsin 53090. A luncheon and social hour will follow.

Memorials should be directed to Pilgrim Lutheran Church or Time of Grace television ministry.

Myrhum Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Inez’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.