Jane M. Swiertz

Jane M. Swiertz, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on the 28th of November, 2025, in Barrington, IL. Born on October 6, 1932, in Centralia, IL, to the late William E. Kaelin and Gertrude Kaelin (Schlau), Jane was a woman whose life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the joy she found in the simplest pleasures of life.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Jane's legacy is etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lawrence R. Swiertz, and her cherished daughter, Deborah Klos (Larry). Jane's memory will be forever cherished by her children: Christine Dreier (Mike), Gregory Swiertz (Sandy), Stephen Swiertz, Jennifer Karlis (Kenny Johnson), and Mark Swiertz (Cathy). Her love will continue to bloom in the lives of her grandchildren: Aaron, Sarah, Michael, Allison, Megan, Jack, Scottie, Kelly, Max, Nicole, and Stephanie, as well as her nine great grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. Jane's twin sister, Joan Vogel, and brothers, Bill Kaelin and Dick Kaelin, will carry the fond memories of their shared laughter and moments of companionship.
Jane's professional life was marked by her meticulous attention to detail, working as a proofreader for Compu Comp until her retirement in 1994. Retirement did not mean rest for Jane, as she devoted her time to nurturing three of her grandchildren full-time, imparting wisdom, and creating cherished memories. Her involvement with the Catholic community was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of the CCW for St. Matthew Catholic Church in Glendale Heights, IL, and was named woman of the year in 2004. She was also a parishioner at St. Walter Catholic Church in Roselle, IL, where her devotion to her faith was evident in her service and participation.
Gardening and cooking were among Jane's favorite pursuits, allowing her to share the fruits of her labor with those she loved. She made the best fried chicken, potato salad, and Thanksgiving stuffing – just to name a few! Her intellectual curiosity was satisfied through her love of reading books and solving crossword puzzles. Jane had a passion for the arts, frequently attending plays and musicals and thoroughly enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars. She was known to dance a mean polka or two and loved dancing with her children and grandchildren whenever she could.
Above all, Jane was a woman whose heart was firmly rooted in her family and faith. Her funny anecdotes (earning her the nickname "Crazy Jane"), selfless acts, and loving embrace were the hallmarks of her existence. She had the rare ability to see the humor in life's challenges and the grace to meet them head-on with a smile.
As we bid farewell to Jane, we do so with the comfort that she lived a life full of purpose and love. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her. Jane's life was a hymn of devotion, and now she sings with the angels, leaving a legacy of love that will echo through generations. We take solace in the knowledge that she rests in the eternal love of our Heavenly Father.
A Visitation will be held at The DuPage Funeral Chapel, 951 W. Washington St. West Chicago, Illinois, 60185, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave. West Chicago, Illinois, 60185 on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM followed by burial at Assumption Cemetery, 1S150 Winfield Rd. Wheaton, Illinois 60189, at 11:15 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to JourneyCare of Barrington in Jane's honor. ( https://journeycare.org/wish-program/ )