Ida Heier Schwarzenberger died peacefully in Denver, Colorado on November 16, 2011 in the loving company of her husband and family members. She was born on March 10, 1918, in Park, Kansas, the 4th child of John and Mary (Heisler) Heier. Growing up on a farm she became accustomed to work, and in work she found value. "A good worker" was one of her choicest compliments.


She was not yet 20 when she met Mike Schwarzenberger and fell in love. "I want that one," she told one of her sisters at a dance, and the feeling was mutual. Together they had eight children. When first married they lived and farmed south of Collyer, Kansas. In 1949 they moved into Collyer itself, where they lived until 2009, at which time, for health reasons, they moved to Denver to be nearer family.


While she could work circles around anyone else, there were many things she enjoyed. She loved playing cards, and doing the daily crossword puzzles and Jumbles. She and Mike, along with friends, traveled hundreds of miles to attend dances. She was active in church affairs, a member of the Altar Society and a CCD instructor. She baked wonderful pies, and every year put out a garden that produced a bounty. Perhaps what gave her most satisfaction was working with needle and thread. She sewed clothes for her kids, for the parish priest, for just about everyone, and still had time to fill drawers with impeccable doilies, like snowflakes, no two alike. Her descendants are wrapped in her quilts, each a marvel. If ever a stitch or loop was out of place, all was unraveled and redone.


She is survived by her husband, Michael, eight children; Don and Mary (spouse) Schwarzenberger, Sahuarita, Arizona, Sr. Francine Schwarzenberger, Denver, Colorado, Sr. Rita Schwarzenberger, Kaduna, Nigeria, John Schwarzenberger and Cindy Ward (spouse), Centennial, Colorado, Richard Schwarzenberger, San Francisco, California, Martin Schwarzenberger and Leslie Champlin (spouse), Overland Park, Kansas, Mary and Mike (spouse) Segawa, Olympia, Washington, Serena and Mike (spouse) Billmayer, Arvada, Colorado; seven grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Zerr, of Hoxie, Kansas, two sisters-in-law, and numerous nephews and nieces.


Five brothers, Anthony, George, Nicholas, Theodore, and Fedail Heier; and a sister Clara Uhrich, preceded her in death.

Visitation for Ida will be 5-7 PM Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter, KS with a Rosary Service at 6:45 PM. A Vigil service will follow at 7 PM.

Funeral Services for Ida will be 10:30 AM, Monday, November 21, 2011 in St. Michael Catholic Church at Collyer, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Hope for the Village Child (Nigerian Missions) and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S Main, Quinter, KS 67752.