Colleen Lischwe

1989 - 2025

Lischwe, Colleen

February 12, 1989 - January 15, 2025

Our dearest loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, coach, mentor and friend left us far too soon on January 15, 2025.

Born on February 12, 1989, Colleen grew up in Kirkwood, MO, attending Westchester Elementary, North Middle School, and Kirkwood High School. She played Division I water polo at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, earned a bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability from Saint Louis University, and a master's degree in business from McKendree University. From the tender age of five, Colleen found her passion for swimming at Lindgate Manor pool, where she learned the fundamentals of fair and fun athletic pursuits and developed friendships that remain strong today. Her love of water polo began the summer of 2003, and she never looked back. Colleen was a talented player, competitor, and leader, twice earning the Missouri High School Female Player of the Year, and an induction into the Missouri Water Polo Hall of Fame. Since 2016, Colleen has coached men's and women's water polo at McKendree University. In becoming the first female head coach of a men's NCAA program, she was also a fierce trailblazer for women's athletics and the advancement of the sport of water polo. She loved all her athletes and challenged them to develop strong character and respect for one another, alongside the technical skills and strategies of the game.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Casey Colgan; and daughter, Ozzy; and special pets: Albus and Ramey; her parents, Sheila and Tim Lischwe; in-laws: Rhonda and Pat Colgan, and Susie and Jeff McCarthy; sister and brother-in-law, Shannon and Mikey Manning; brothers-in-law: Ethan Colgan and Ian McCarthy; and sister-in-law, Avery McCarthy; dear niece, Olive Manning; many cousins, aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by her grandparents: Herb and Rita Lischwe and William and Helen Turner.

Colleen's family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support, especially from the water polo community far and wide. Knowing she touched so many lives is a great comfort during these difficult days.

For those wishing to honor Colleen's memory, contributions may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, 2320 Pine St, St. Louis, MO 63103, or to a charity of one's choice. Favorite photos, memories, thoughts and stories of Colleen will help create a permanent remembrance for Ozzy. Contributions may be sent to ColleenLischweMemories@gmail.com.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m., at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122. A party for Colleen will be held at The Duck Room at Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar, St. Louis, MO, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.