Ilo Schwartz

Obituary

Ilo DeLaine Schwartz was born October 6, 1921, on the Funk family farm north of Buffalo Lake. Her parents were Helena Henrietta Meta (Stucke) Funk and Harvey LeRoy Funk. Ilo weighed 4 lbs. at birth, and her parents lovingly cared for her at home. She slept in a shoebox on the oven door, simulating a hospital incubator. She was baptized December 6, 1921, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake. She was later joined by her sister Lois. On May 12, 1935, Ilo was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. Hans Appel.

Ilo graduated from the Buffalo Lake High School and continued her education at Gustavus Adolphus College for two years. It was just long enough for her to learn enough English to correct her grandchildren’s grammar. Remember, dear ones, it is not “me and Paul” it is “Paul and I.” And, “If he were here” not “was here.” 

On April 8, 1943, Ilo married her soldier sweetheart, Staff Sgt. Edward Schwartz. To this union were born three children: Barbara, Robert, and Kathryn. Ilo and Ed started farming on the Schwartz family farm south of Buffalo Lake. She quickly learned what farming was all about, and she loved it. One time Ilo and Donny Macheledt were baling hay with Ilo driving the tractor with the new cab. It started to rain. In her infinite wisdom, she kept on driving and baling, oblivious to Donny and how wet the hay was getting. She then saw Ed at the end of the field waving his arms. She got the message.

Ilo was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake. She loved music, and for 37 years she was the church organist. She also played at the Nursing Home for 51 years. Ilo’s passion in later years was sending out cards for every occasion. Her 90^th birthday party was memorable; it was the first time anyone told Ilo she was beautiful.

On Saturday evening, June 16, 2018, Ilo passed away at her home surrounded by her family.  She had reached the age of 96 years.  Blessed be her memory.

Ilo is survived by her:

Children:
Barbara Darr and husband James of Redwood Falls,
Robert Schwartz and wife Lois (Jean) of Nicollet,
Kathryn Uecker of Buffalo Lake;

Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren:

Chad (Krista) Darr, Addison and Hayden;  Alison Darr O’Hare, Bailey, Chloe, Delaney, and Theodore; Tacie Schwartz and Lily; David (Shelly) Darr, Elizabeth and Gabrielle; Jason (Melyssa) Gaulke, Sergio, Meliah, Alexus, Iain, and Abby; Jill Gaulke, Gabriel, Teagan, Grasyn, and Maddyn; Kevin (Alyssa) Schwartz, Joshua and James; Edward Uecker; Crystal Schwartz and Savannah; Bobbie Uecker, Dominique Mitchell, Jaxon, and Carter;

Sister, Lois Williams of Hutchinson, MN;

Nephews: Tom (Jean) Williams, Phillip (Rose) Williams, Paul Williams;

Niece, Brenda (Rick) Schoening;

a very special friend and caregiver, Joan Doering of Buffalo Lake;

other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband in June of 1980. 

Messages Ilo left with us:

To my dear family:  Thank you to my dear grandchildren who always gave me a hug and a kiss, and told me they loved me and asked if there was anything I need done. I was good at thinking of things.

To Phillip and Paul – Keep the world laughing. What a gift you had to make our family get-togethers a real good time.

Kathryn – Keep dishing out pills. I wonder how many pills you convinced me I needed and I did.

To Barbara – Whenever she had to give me a message, it was “Oh, Mother!”

Robert – Help the girls have fun getting rid of my clothes. I wish I could have taken some with me.

God Bless all of my family. I love you more than I can say.  Your old Mom.