Arlene E. Schwabenbauer

Arlene Elizabeth Mary Mathews Schwabenbauer, 74, of La Crosse, died on Monday, April 23, 2018 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. A treasured child of God, and daughter of Harold and Elizabeth (Smithlin) Mathews was born October 19, 1943.  Arlene attended St. James School in LaCrosse, then graduated from Aquinas High in 1961.  Arlene Mathews and Joseph Schwabenbauer were married at St. James Catholic Church, October 14, 1961.  The celebration of  their 50^th wedding anniversary brings memories of their abiding love.  God blessed their marriage with four wonderful sons, Thomas, James, David and Daniel.

Surviving are Arlene’s loving and supportive husband, Joseph, and their four beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas (Kristine) of La Crosse,  James (Michelle) of Chippewa Falls, David of Irvine, CA and Daniel (Kimberly) of Holmen.  Also surviving are Joe & Arlene’s wonderful grandchildren, Beth, Adam, Briana, Sarah, Rachel, Emily, Paul & Ty.

If you asked Arlene what was most important to her, it was her life’s journey with Jesus, her marriage to Joseph,  blessed by their sons, inspired by daughters-in-law, and  loved by grandchildren  She understood, yet always marveled at the gifts of life and love that surrounded her every day.

Arlene retired from Franciscan Skemp Health Care/Patient Accounts in 2004, after 25 years of employment.  She enjoyed the challenges presented and took pride in her years of service. After retirement, Arlene volunteered at FSHS as well as at her parish.

Arlene was most at peace with herself at St James the Less Parish and St Rose Convent. It was through these organizations that she loved providing services such as communion calls for shut-ins, funeral luncheons, funeral choir, and treasury duties. Arlene was also passionately dedicated to her role as a prayer partner at St Rose Convent.

Together with her beloved husband Joe,  they enjoyed performing meal distributions, being on the church cleaning schedule and many other parish sponsored activities.

Arlene is also survived by her sister, Cheryl (Fred) Lanzel, and brother Kenneth (Cori) Mathews and, her Godchildren, Sally (Mathews) Inglett and Tony Lanzel as well as many nieces and nephews, all dear to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Betty, her sisters, Jean and Mary Lou (John) Rochester as well as Arlene’s  brothers, Al (Donna) Mathews Frank (Nancy) Mathews and Arlen (Suzanne) Mathews,  as well as several nieces and nephews,  Arlene was born to a family rich in faith  and love, optimism and laughter and was grateful always to God for this beautiful gift called family.

She would also remember her extended family, her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Gabrielson, Donna (Bob) Lapp, Joan (Sherman) Stegen, Diane (Tim) Niebuhr, Kathy (Ken) Williams and brother in law, Charles (Ruth) Schwabenbauer and their families.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM, on Friday, April 27, 2018, at St. James The Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia Street, La Crosse.  Father James Altman will officiate. Entombment will be in St. Francis Assisi Mausoleum at the Catholic Cemetery on Losey Boulevard So.  Friends may visit from 4 to 7:00 PM at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse, on Thursday, April 26, 2018. There will be a Rosary at 9:00 AM on Friday at Church with a Visitation following until the time of Mass.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart

I consecrate to Thee, O Jesus of Love, all the joys, sorrows, and happiness of our family life.  I beseech Thee to pour out Thy best blessings on all our family, absent and present, living and dead.  And when one after another, we have fallen asleep in Thy Blessed Bosom. May our family be reunited again in Thy Most Sacred Heart.   Amen

Memorials are preferred to St. James the Less Catholic Church, St. Rose Convent, or a memorial of your choice.