Frieda E. Schwenke, 100, a lifelong resident of Forest Park, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014. She was preceded in death by her son Kenneth Schwenke and daughter Donna Schwenke (nee) Irwin. Survivors include eight grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Janet Schwenke; cousins Linda and Wayne DeRaad and her many friends.
Frieda lived in her Forest Park apartment for 54 years where she enjoyed needlework, crocheting, knitting, playing cards, doing search-a-word and crossword puzzles. She was an avid Chicago sports fan, always watching the Cubs, Bulls, Bears and the Blackhawks and would even sneak a peek at the south siders – the White Sox when her beloved Cubs weren’t playing.
In March, Frieda was the honored guest at two big parties to celebrate the occasion of her having reached her 100th birthday. Irene Kaldis and all the regulars at “Always in Style” beauty salon helped her celebrate with many of her friends from the Community Center on hand as well as most of the present and former staff of the beauty shop. Frieda was a weekly patron of the beauty shop for over 50 years. Later her family honored Frieda at a surprise party where five generations of the family, and her friends helped her celebrate her big milestone. The Mayor of Forest Park, Anthony T. Calderone attended and presented Frieda with the “Mayor’s Proclamation” honoring her on her 100th birthday. Frieda up until recently lived alone, did her own cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Her goal was to live to 100 and she certainly accomplished that feat.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, 10-11 a.m., and service at 11 a.m. at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 W. Madison Street, Forest Park. Interment will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Voluntary Service, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Avenue, Hines, IL 60141.
