Lorna Jean Schwalm

1935 - 2020

Lorna Jean Schwalm, age 85, of Wakarusa, passed away at 11:25 p.m., Monday, December 14, 2020 at Cottage Garden, Goshen, IN, after a 5 year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Our beloved mom, mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma is with Jesus.  She is no longer bound by her failing body.  She was born June 26, 1935 in Jimtown, IN to Herman and Bessie (Fredericks) Wenger.  Lorna was a Jimtown High School graduate.  Lorna lived her lifetime in the Jimtown/Wakarusa area.  Her first marriage was to Jack Troxel on June 27, 1953.  Her 2nd marriage was to Dale Schwalm on December 29, 1978.  He preceded her in death February 19, 2018.  Lorna was born, raised & raised her sons in the Wenger Family home in Jimtown (in the house that is now the Jimtown Historical Museum).

Surviving are her sons, Kevin (Sue) Troxel, Wakarusa, Rick Troxel, Tippecanoe; step daughter, Wanda (Ken) Clem, Wakarusa; 8 grandchildren, Alex Troxel, Andy Troxel, Christie Troxel, Tonya Carl, Stephanie Hufford, Sean Clem, Tammy Schwalm, Tracy Schwalm; 15 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt Chloe Moore; brothers, Warren, Dayton, Larry, and Ron Wenger; sister, Phyllis Smith; former husband, Jack Troxel; stepson and daughter-in-law, Steve and Connie Schwalm.

Lorna was the head cook at Jimtown Elementary.  She also was the Dietary Supervisor at Turtle Creek Nursing Home.  She won international voyages for her contributions to the Home Interiors Corporation.  Whom she also won display awards for her exhibit at the Elkhart County Fair.  She was a nationally recognized sales representative for House of Lloyds.  Lorna and Dale also were a holiday display fixture many years with their Christmas Around the World seasonal store at the Pierre Moran Mall.   Lorna also drove school bus for the Wa-Nee School Corporation for 20 years.  She was an active member of the Elkhart County Republican Party.  She grew up in Osceola Church of the Brethren, later joining Wakarusa Missionary Church.  Lorna enjoyed living the farm life, playing cards & games with friends and family.  Also traveling the states in their motor home and spending winters in Florida.  She seldom missed any of her son’s athletic events, no matter how far she had to travel or her personal feelings for the sports involved.  She had a passionate devotion to her family and her alma mater!  Lorna & Dale’s family really want to express their thanks to Bob, Carolyn and their awesome staff at Cottage Garden in Goshen for the loving, Christ-like care they provided the last 4 years to our parents!!!!  Lorna will be sorely missed by her friends and family.

Private graveside services will be held.  Burial will be in Olive West Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.