Joan K. Schwalbach

Joan K. 'Joy' Schwalbach

October 29, 1938 - January 21, 2026

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Joan "Joy" K. (née Kloza) Schwalbach was peacefully born to eternal life on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Joy was a beacon of kindness, strength, and pure love. A devoted and loving wife, she shared 58 years of marriage with her beloved husband, James, building a life rooted in faith, family, and mutual devotion. Her greatest legacies were her commitment to those she loved, her passion for service, and her steadfast faith in God. She lived with humility, generosity, and grace, touching countless lives through her compassion and unwavering care. 

Joy is survived by her adoring children, Kristin (Vinny) Carpenter, Karin (Eric) Bednar, James (Dawn) Schwalbach, and Steven Schwalbach; and her devoted granddaughters, Kathryn "Katie" Carpenter and Abigail "Abbie" Schwalbach. She is also survived by her sister, Jacqueline (Bernard) Sweeney; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, godchildren, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, James W. Schwalbach; her parents, John and Rose (née Ronowski) Kloza; her brothers, Jude, John, and Thomas Kloza; her sister, Rosann Erdmann; and other treasured relatives and friends who welcomed her home. 

A native of Milwaukee, Joy graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School and later became a department head at Line Material Company. After joining Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in 1968, she faithfully served her parish in many roles, including Religious Education Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Minister of Care, Funeral Acolyte, and Parish Council member. She also volunteered generously for festivals, fundraising dinners, and special events, offering her time and talents wherever help was needed. 

A devoted mother and grandmother, Joy proudly sat front and center at every graduation, sporting event, and music recital involving her children and grandchildren. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement, pride, and unconditional love. She celebrated every milestone and quietly supported every challenge. We will miss her deeply, but Joy lives on through her good works and in the loving memories of all who were blessed to know her. 

A memorial gathering will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church in Brookfield on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 9:30-10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Chapel of the Holy Cross, will follow. The family requests that memorials be made in the form of Mass Intentions through St. Luke Catholic Church.

"The life of the body is the soul; the life of the soul is God." — St. Anthony of Padua