Phyllis Schwartz

Phyllis Jean Schwartz age 85 of Hartington, Nebraska died on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at her residence.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hartington with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s cemetery in Hartington.  Visitation will be on Friday, at church, from 5-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Saturday one hour prior to services.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Matthew Schwartz, Marc Schwartz, Luke Schwartz, Everett Hoesing, Cole Frerichs, and Alex Frerichs.

 Phyllis Jean Schwartz (Driver), age 85 was born on February 12, 1939 to Art and Ellen (McFarland) Driver in Wynot NE.  She had 5 siblings and grew up on a farm outside the St. James area. She graduated from Wynot High School in 1956. Phyllis attended Wayne State Teachers College and received her teaching certificate. From 1957 -1961 she taught in surrounding country schools near Hartington teaching all grades.

 In 1960, she married Roger Joseph Schwartz and established their home on a farm a few miles from Pleasant Valley. This marriage was blessed with 6 children - Kim, Kelly, Ron, Judy, Larry and Troy. Phyllis was a stay-at-home mother in the early years, she had her first 4 children in 33 months which kept her very busy and then blessed with 2 more.

Phyllis cooked, baked and canned continuously for her family. She kept an immaculate house. In 1970 the family was moved into Hartington where Phyllis lived the rest of her life.  Phyllis worked for Terra Western in a clerical role and then in the Hartington City offices until she retired in 2003.

 Phyllis and her family belonged to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church her whole married life. She assisted in cleaning the church and counted the collection money up until this past year. She also had an hour of adoration for many years and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America.  Phyllis also volunteered in Holy Trinity Grade School/ Cedar Catholic High School library and cafeteria. She volunteered to teach catechism and belonged to the Women's Guild holding all offices at one point during her membership, and also volunteered to help with Meals on Wheels.

 Phyllis married into a family of dedicated card players and became quite good at it herself, playing up until her last few days. She didn't hesitate to take her family's money for her winnings. She was the "Queen" of scrabble losing very seldom. She faithfully completed the Omaha World Herald Crossword puzzle every day which family contributes to her success in Scrabble. Phyllis was introduced to the game of golf in her late 40's and found a passion she never knew she had. She turned into a golf fanatic and enjoyed so many hours on the course with family and friends. She developed some very special friendships with her golf group. She played with a Bridge group just up until a few weeks ago. Phyllis also greatly enjoyed watching her Huskers and supported Nebraska athletics faithfully through the years.    

 Phyllis is survived by her husband Roger, her six children Kim (Kent) Hoesing of Hickman, Kelly (Greg) Sosso of Papillion, Ron (Lisa) Schwartz of Tyler, TX, Judy (Wayne) Frerichs of Lodgepole, Larry (Jenny) Schwartz of Bellevue, and Troy Schwartz of Lake Ozark, MO; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Jeanette Schwartz of Joliet, IL; numerous nephews and nieces; her siblings Shirley Gowery of Wynot, Larry (Joanne) Driver of Wynot, Darrell (Ann) Driver of Yankton, SD, Wanda Branson of Scottsdale, AZ, and Dennis (Jan)Driver of Altoona, IA.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Ellen Driver, and one great grandson Cadan; many brothers and sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

 The children of Phyllis would like to say a special thank you to the following that took such great care and created so many memories with Phyllis and Roger when none of the children lived locally: Dave and Kate Bohlken, Paul and Diane Wemhoff, Nancy and Steve Dirks, & Craig and Susie Frerichs.

­Memorials may be directed to the Holy Trinity Elementary School, P.O. Box 278 Hartington, NE 68739