Irene L. Schwartz

Irene L. Schwartz, 88, of Fort Collins, died March 8, 2010 at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab. Facility, where she resided. Mrs. Schwartz was born December 6, 1921 in Wellington, Colorado to Pete and Marie Schlegel. Irene married Clinton Edwin Schwartz on May 14, 1950 in Fort Collins at St. John's Lutheran Church. Clinton passed away June 21, 1987. Mrs. Schwartz was a lifelong resident of the Fort Collins area and graduated from Wellington High School. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Fort Collins. She loved to cook, crochet, garden and tend to her many flowers and plants. Irene worked various jobs prior to her marriage. During WWII, Irene was proud to be the only female overhead crane operator for Kaiser Industries Munitions Plant in Denver, Colorado. She also drove a taxi cab in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. While raising her family, she did in-home daycare. Irene and Clinton owned and operated the Wagon Wheel Trading Post on Vine Drive for many years, which included the sale of their home-grown produce. Survivors include her son, Dan and wife, Carla Schwartz of Fort Collins; daughters, Judy and husband, Guy Engell, Janet and husband, Dr. Donald Wells all of Fort Collins; sisters, Emma Beidleman of Laramie, Wyoming and Eva Schlegel of Fort Collins; four grandchildren, Jeffrey and Janell Engell, Kyle Schwartz, Brandon and wife, Andie Schwartz and one great-grandchild, Caleb. Irene is survived by many nieces and nephews. Also, Roxann Engell whom she loved like a daughter. Preceding Irene in death are her husband; brothers, Leonard Schlegel, and Herold Schlegel; sisters, Caroline Walker and Mary Jo Schwartz. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab. and Dr Jerome Smith for their dedication and care. A Funeral Service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 305 E. Elizabeth on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Private Family Interment will be held at Roselawn Cemetery. Rev. Brian Bestian and Rev. Ron Nickel will officiate. Those who desire, may view Mrs. Schwartz 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family and view the full obituary at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.

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Irene L. Schwartz

December 6, 1921 - March 8, 2010