Joyce D. Schwabe

Joyce D. Schwabe (nee Belot), 100, of Ellisville, Missouri, formerly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Libertyville, Illinois; and Carmel, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Joyce was born on January 9, 1925, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Anthony and Apalonia Belot, and stepdaughter of Raymond Mitten. On August 20, 1949, she was united in marriage to Robert V. Schwabe. They shared more than 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2010.

Joyce attended Marquette University, where she met her husband, Robert. During World War II, she worked as a government inspector, overseeing the production of canteens, mess kits, and five-gallon water containers manufactured in Wisconsin. At a young age, her work took her throughout the Midwest. After raising her family, Joyce later worked at Zee Medical Supply Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Her family and her Catholic faith were always Joyce’s highest priorities. Throughout her life, she made her home in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Robert V. Schwabe; her son, Robert B. Schwabe; her great-grandson, Zachary Selden; and her sisters, Constance Prahl and Marilyn Costa.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl L. (John) Johnson and David J. (Barbara) Schwab; daughter-in-law, Maribeth Schwabe; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Backer, Molly Johnson, Megan (Mark) DeMint, Ryan (Alexandra) Schwabe, Erin (Thomas) Selden, Kayleigh (Greg) Karlovits, and Tucker, Taylor, and Lindsey Schwab; and her great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Madison, and Lilly Backer; Allison, Olivia, and Emma DeMint; Dominick and Danielle Schwabe; and Zoey and Nora Selden. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Beverly Schwabe, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joyce’s greatest legacy is the family she cherished so deeply—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Joyce had a remarkable gift for exuding warmth, kindness, and compassion to everyone she encountered. She shared laughter and love freely, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 410 North First Street. Cary, IL, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or a tree may be planted in Joyce’s memory.