OBITUARY: Kurt Schwalenberg

On November 15, 2021 Kurt Schwalenberg passed from this life to be forever with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Born on February 5, 1954, Kurt brought so much joy and love into this world! He met life's challenges with strength, determination, and an independent nature. Kurt lived at home with his family his entire life and the blessings and lessons his life gave them were immeasurable.

Kurt found delight in many things. He especially enjoyed sports. Playing basketball and watching the Badgers were some of his favorite pastimes. He loved to be where the action was, interact with people and participate in activities.

Kurt had a special gift for music. He played piano by ear and spent many hours playing hymns, upbeat songs, and his favorite, Christmas carols. He loved to play for his family, also entertaining at parties and a nursing home. Kurt delighted in playing, truly knowing how to express himself through his music and what it means to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". He loved going to church, and was excited when he had the opportunity to play the postlude on the organ at a church service.

He spent more than 50 years attending the New Hope Center programs in Chilton, being one of the original attendees when the Center was established. The Center was a huge part of his life and he was always eager to spend time there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Armin and Doloris Schwalenberg, and brother Keith Schwalenberg. His survivors include his sister Doryn Schwalenberg, his brother Terry (Mary) Schwalenberg, sister-in-law Vivian Schwalenberg, niece Karmin (Christopher) Hibbard (Hannah, Noah, and Judah, children), niece Megan (Jason, fiancé) Schwalenberg, and niece Lauren (Jade, fiancé) Schwalenberg.

A funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church (N6081 W. River Rd.) in Rantoul, with Pastor Simek officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 pm until 1:45 pm at the church on the day of service. A committal service will be held at the parish cemetery immediately following the funeral.