By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
4 Comments
  • Visitation

    Wednesday, August 7, 2024

    from 4:00 to 8:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland

    and Thursday, August 8, 2024

    from 8:00 to 9:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland.

  • Service

    Mass of Christian Burial

    Thursday, August 8, 2024

    9:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church.

  • Full Obituary

    Eileen M. Schwend, 85, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL, with her family by her side.

    Eileen was born August 24, 1938 to Herman J. and Viola “Vi” (Nee Kapp) Schneider at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL.  On May 28, 1958, she married Stanley Schwend at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

    She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland.  She was a crazy sports fan, she followed all of her children’s activities and then her grandchildren’s activities, even other people’s children’s activities. Eileen loved all of her flowers around her house.  She loved the holidays especially Christmas.  She was a Girl Scout leader for 16 years, six of those having two troops and taking them on 10 days to two-week trips in summer, the last group went to Europe.

    Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Herman J. Schneider (August 21, 2006), Vi Schneider (April 1, 2002); sister, RuthAnn Lory Holp (June 29. 2013); brother-in-law, James Petty (November 13, 2013); father-in-law, Elmo Schwend (March 7, 1967); mother-in-law, Dorothy Schwend (March 18, 1994); brothers-in-law, Donald Schwend (February 20, 1996), Robert Troxell (February 1, 2016); nephew, Steven Lory (December 23, 1983).

    She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Stanley Schwend, Highland; children, Sandy (Jon) Hoyt, Highland, Kathy (Brent) Portell, Highland; grandchildren, Matthew (significant other, Laura Graham) Hoyt, Garrett (Katie) Hoyt, Donstan “Brock” Portell, Broderick “Brode” Portell, Rece Portell, Brylee Portell; great-grandchildren, Kyson Hoyt, Koben Hoyt, Quinn Hoyt, Francis Hoyt, Florence Hoyt; sister, Nancy Petty; sister-in-law, Marilyn Troxell; nieces, Lisa (Michael) Clark, Susan (Jeffrey) Gibbons; great-nieces and nephews, Haley Clark, Shelby Clark, Presley Clark, Carrie Gibbons, Lexi Gibbons, Debbie (Jay) Hayes, Robert (Carol) Troxell, Mark (Barbara) Troxell, Randy (Debbie) Troxell; many great-great-nieces and nephews on Schwend side.

    Memorials may be made to Marfan Foundation.

    Visitation: Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland and Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 8:00 to 9:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland.

    Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 9:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church.

    Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor and Fr. Mariadas Chatla, Parochial Vicar.

    Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL.

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

4 Condolences
 
  1. Pat Winter / August 5, 2024 at 6:42 pm

    Our deepest sympathy is sent to you. Eileen was a wonderful and kind person . She always had a beautiful smile on her face. I remember all those years ago the times at our house and the bowling alley. I will be praying for you and your family.

  2. Dean Schuepbach / August 6, 2024 at 9:54 am

    Please accept my sympathy. The world lost a great girl. So incredibly nice and happy. Prayers for your family

  3. Pamela Balkenbusch / August 7, 2024 at 10:08 am

    Our heartfelt condolences to Eileen’s family and friends. We have Many fond memories of this Beautiful lady who was always ready to help anyone at anytime. Thank you Eileen for treating Nick as one of your own. He Loved hanging out at your and Stan’s home with Brock and the other Blaze players swimming, playing wiffle ball, and just being boys!! “Eileen’s Potatoes” are Still my Favorite potatoes of all time!! Bless you sweet lady and rest now with Jesus.
    Love, The Balkenbusches 😘❤️

  4. Cindy (Zobrist) & Randy Halle / August 10, 2024 at 1:11 pm

    We are so sorry to hear Eileen passed. She was a wonderful person, always welcoming, friendly and outgoing. Stan and Eileen were close friends with our parents (Dale & Arlene Zobrist) and our entire family. So many happy times and funny stories over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Leave a Condolence or Memory: