Emma Mina Schwien was born on a farm in rural Trego County, KS on September 15, 1910, to the late George Carl and Eva Elizabeth (Schneider) Bender. She passed away Monday, November 3, 2014, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care. Emma was 104 years of age.
As a young girl, Emma attended Montrose School District #51 in rural Trego County. On March 2, 1947, Emma was united in marriage to George Schwien in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Parsonage at WaKeeney. They shared 41 years of marriage, up until George’s death on September 6, 1988. As a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Emma was known for her service to the church. She was a member of the WELCA, Golden Girls, and the Bethlehem Daughters. She was also a member of the American Legion Moore Post #197 Auxiliary, the Randall Reid VFW Post #3449 Auxiliary, and the TCLMH Auxiliary, all in WaKeeney. Her hobbies included vegetable and flower gardening, crochet and knitting, and volunteering her time in support of her church. Emma loved to travel with family.
Emma will be missed by many special nieces and nephews, and numerous loving and caring friends and neighbors. Preceding her in death were her parents, George and Eva; husband, George; three brothers, Fredrich, Bernhardt, and August Bender; and a sister Emma Bender.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 6, 2014, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Checks made to the church may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be sent at www.schmittfuneral.com.