Marilyn (Gregg) Schwertfeger, 89, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt,
sister and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family in
Wichita, January 22, 2021. She is now with her Savior.
Marilyn was born May 27, 1931 in Hays, KS to Lisle and Marie (Gregg)
Freshour. Being raised on a farm, her keen character was forged
through limited resources and depression era hardships. She played
drums and directed the Hays High Pep Band. She was embarrassed we
learned she was crowned Queen of Hearts at the Valentine’s dance. She
married the love of her life Kenneth L. Schwertfeger after graduating
from Fort Hays State College and moved to Smith Center, KS where she
started a family and spent her life. She was a homemaker and loved her
Lord. For 60 years, she was involved in women’s ministry at her local
United Methodist Church, volunteered at the Hardly Used Shop, served as
the church’s historian, had a heart for missions and helped craft the
church’s Chrismon tree.
Often self-deprecating, God gifted her with a warm, witty
personality and a perpetual sparkle in her eye. Her artistic
creativity, invariably whimsical, took the form of banners, signs,
sketches, old world carolers, caricatures, greeting cards, clay
sculptures, center pieces, prom props, parade floats and countless
church bulletin boards. She decorated her home with hand made Christmas
creations of angels and nativities that are small treasures. A covert
competitor, she was a lady’s league bowler, participated in bridge club,
ping pong and doubles tennis tournaments. Later she was bitten by the
golf bug and played for years with good friends. She especially
enjoyed teeing it up with Ken in couples tournaments. They celebrated
65 years together in 2019.
She adored her husband, and loved her family through all seasons.
She enjoyed her last season having moved to Wichita to be close to
family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth and
sister Ruth E. Hopper of Huntsville, AL. She is survived by her
daughter Tamy, son Ty, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Lydia, Luke
and Levi Schwertfeger, all of Wichita.
Click HERE for service details.