Mary Willhelm Schwegman was a loving, caring and wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. On Nov. 22, 2000 she passed away from colon cancer at the age of 48.
She was born July 18, 1952 to Arthur and Rita Willhelm. Mary graduated from Whitewater High School in 1972 and then studied to become a nursing assistant. She was employed at Margaret Mary Community Hospital as a nurse’s assistant until the time of her death.
Mary married Louis Schwegman in 1976. They worked together on their farm by Oldenburg and the Schwegman Farm in St. Mary’s. The married couple adopted two children, Michael and Sharon.
Mary was involved in many activities. She participated in 4-H, youth activities, a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at the Holy Family Church in Oldenburg and was vice-chairperson of Franklin County Soil and Water. Because of Mary’s love and care for the sick and hurt her family established a scholarship to award to a student who shares Mary’s passion.
The scholarship was established in 2002 to provide an annual award to a student graduating from Batesville High School or Franklin County High School. Primary consideration is given to students who are studying nursing or education.