Joseph T. Schwabenbauer

Joseph Thomas Michael Schwabenbauer, 78, was born on June 15, 1940 to Paul and Charlotte (Will) Schwabenbauer in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Joe attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Logan High School in 1958. He married Arlene (Mathews) October 14, 1961 at St. James Catholic Church in LaCrosse, The celebration of their 50^th wedding anniversary was a reflection of their abiding love. God blessed their marriage with four wonderful sons, Thomas, James, David and Daniel.

Joe is survived by his beloved sons, Thomas (Kristine) of LaCrosse, James (Michelle) of Chippewa Falls, David (Marvin) of Irvine, CA and Daniel (Kimberly) of Holmen as well as his grandchildren, Beth, Adam, Briana, Sarah, Rachel, Paul, Emily and Ty. As his family, we loved him dearly and respected him immensely, so proud of him as he journeyed through life showing us his courage, his wisdom, and his serenity, one day at a time. When Joe saw a need, he responded with willing hands and open heart and when completed, he would smile,… for a job well done.

Joe is further survived by his brother, Charles (Ruth), and sisters, Mary Ann Gabrielson, Donna Lapp, Joan (Sherman) Stegen, Diane (Tim) Niebuhr, Kathy Williams and their families.

Joe is also survived by his brothers in law, Ken (Cori) Mathews, and sister in law, Cheryl (Fred) Lanzel and their families. They too, became friends as well as family. He would remember his friend, Arlen.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, parents, Paul and Charlotte, and by his brothers, Paul, James and Richard.

Joe worked for Trane Company and retired after 38 years of employment. He clearly identified with his co-workers, always proud to stand beside them. Even into retirement, wherever he went, there were simple acknowledgments with friendly handshakes, easy conversation and mutual respect, well earned.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM, on Wednesday July 18, 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 Tuesday, July 17, 2018. There will be a Rosary at 9:00 AM on Wednesday at Church with a Visitation following until the time of Mass.

The greatest gifts and blessings in life were family. Joe expressed his great joy at the circle of hugs that embraced him, especially through his grandchildren. They wrapped his heart and spirit in warmth and gentle laughter and love, …enough love to last forever.

Peace be with you, Joseph,… husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Peace!

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