Julieanne Schwemer

Julieanne Schwemer, age 78, of Winona, MN, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

Julieanne (Houdek) Schwemer was born on April 25, 1940 in Calmar, Iowa, the daughter of Frederick and Margaret Houdek. She attended school in Calmer and graduated from Calmar High School in 1958. She then entered Saint Mary's Nursing School, Madison WI, and graduated in 1961, where she worked as an RN for the next 2 years.

In 1963, she moved to Milwaukee to work as a pediatric nurse at the Milwaukee Children's Hospital and achieved the position of head nurse for a 12-bed unit. It there that she met the love of her life, Cullen Schwemer, a medical student doing his pediatric rotation.

Julieanne and Cullen married in 1964. In 1965, they moved to the Western Suburbs of Chicago where they lived for the next 36 years and raised 2 children; Linus and Alana.

Julieanne, a devoted wife and mother, continued her life-long enthusiasm for volunteering at a variety of venues. Julieanne has been described by her friends and fellow volunteers as vibrant, funny, loving and most of all kind. She could get just about anything done, in a warm and gracious way. Both the world and people she touched are better off because of Julianne.

In 2001, Julieanne and Cullen moved to Winona. Julieanne quickly became involved with many community organizations including Sequoia, PEO Chapter AP, Women's Resource Center, Meals on Wheels and the Bas Bleu Book Club. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Julieanne, attended the Winona State Senior University. She and Cullen also supported the annual Minnesota Beethoven Festival, and attended every Great River Shakespeare Festival production since its inception.

Julieanne volunteered for the Winona Health Auxiliary/Volunteers. In her 16 years, she provided 3,354 hours of volunteer time to over twenty different service areas and fundraising projects. She served as President in 2007 and 2010; chaired Fantasy of Trees and co-chaired the 2014 Birthday Ball. In 2016 to no one's surprise, but her, she received the Volunteer of the Year award.

Julieanne is survived by her devoted husband, Cullen R. Schwemer, MD, Winona, MN, two children; Linus (Amy) Schwemer, Lisle, IL and Alana (Bryan) Polanek, Downers Grove, IL; five grandchildren; Emily, Evan, Thor, Magnus and Drake. Brother in law Richard Groux and compassionate caregiver, Pat Chadbourn.

Julieanne was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Margaret Houdek, three sisters, Rosemary Groux, Naomi (Richard) Frana and Germaine (Joseph) Izydorek.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, December 14, 2018 with visitation starting at 2 p.m., at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. Please leave a memory of Julieanne and view her tribute video at hofffuneral.com.