Margaret Schwegel

Margaret Ann Schwegel, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 15, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born on September 16, 1944, in Alton, Illinois, to James and Agnes Dooling. She married John Schwegel on August 7, 1965, at St. Patrick's Church in Alton. Together they made their home in Alton, where they raised three sons. They shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, and their enduring love served as a beautiful example to their family of what a marriage should be.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a dedicated registered nurse who held various leadership positions throughout her career before retiring. Most of her nursing career was spent at St. Anthony's Hospital in Alton. She also worked at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri, and in Denver, Colorado.

A faithful member of St. Mary's Church in Alton for 61 years, Margaret generously volunteered wherever help was needed. She was deeply devoted to and proud of her Irish heritage and most recently served as the Illinois State President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Margaret never knew a stranger. Her warm smile, kind heart, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Margaret looked forward to her weekly card and domino games with friends and cherished the many social gatherings she and John enjoyed with family and lifelong friends. They could often be found out and about together, and they shared a love of traveling that took them to many wonderful places over the years.

Anyone who knew Margaret knew she was one of the St. Louis Cardinals' most devoted fans. She rarely missed a game, whether watching from home or cheering from the stands at Busch Stadium. Some might even say her mood depended on whether the Cardinals won or lost that day. Her love for the game created countless cherished memories for her and John throughout the years.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, John; her three sons and daughters-in-law, Andy (Lauri) Schwegel, Dave (Kelly) Schwegel, and Steve (Stephanie) Schwegel; her 11 grandchildren, Jacob (Shelby) Schwegel, Maggie (Barrett) Stone, Sydney (Adam) Brewer, Mallory (Libby) Kasinger, Caity Schwegel, Rachel Schwegel, Luke Schwegel, Grace Schwegel, Ella Sinclair, Celia Sinclair, and Harrison Sinclair; and her two great-grandchildren, Aria and Emmett Brewer. She is also survived by her two sisters, Mary (John) Wilber and Patty (Sam) Coldren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, Illinois. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Alton, followed by inurnment at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton. A luncheon will immediately follow at St. Mary's Community Center.

Memorials are suggested to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Online condolences and the guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home