Barbara E. Schwamlein, age 80 of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Froedtert South- Kenosha Campus after a brief illness.

Barbara was born in Chicago, IL on March 4, 1939 to the late George and Alderetta (Mitchell) Hankins. She was educated in the schools of Chicago and later earned an Associate Degree in Business Management.

On July 19, 1954, she was united in marriage to Robert S. Schwamlein. Sadly, he preceded her in death in 2008.

Throughout her life Barb was employed as a bookkeeper for various employers including Urban League, where she helped seniors and low-income families with taxes, and the Kenosha DMV before her retirement.  Inspired by her husband’s blindness, she was a dedicated volunteer for many blind organizations, and especially enjoyed volunteering for the Blind Bowling Tournaments. She was always willing to help others in need, and welcomed anyone to her home. She also loved spending time with her family, crocheting, and all her “grand-dogs”. She often attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kenosha.

Barbara will be dearly missed by her four children; Michael (Susan) Schwamlein of Bee, NE; Steven (Kenya Nelson) Schwamlein of Tustin, CA; Tina (Edward) LeMay of St. Cloud, MN, and Jennifer (Luis Herrera) Schwamlein of Kenosha, her 16 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert M. Schwamlein; one brother; and eight sisters.

Service Info

Funeral services in honor of Barb’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 5:00pm at the Piasecki Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Private inurnment will take place in Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL at a later date.