It pains me to admit, but apparently I have passed away. At the ripe age of 74, my earthly journey ended on August 11, 2025 comfortably at home in Eagle, Idaho (by way of a packed U-Haul truck from Dubuque, Iowa) surrounded by my favorite humans and dogs.

On June 11, 1951, in Maquoketa, Iowa, my parents and older Brothers celebrated my birth, and I was introduced to all as Jane Marie Schwager or “Blondie,” and the only daughter of the late Sylvester and Martha (Sprank) Schwager from Andrew, Iowa. I am survived by my beloved and dry-humored husband, Steven Kiebel; Daughter, Jennifer Kiebel Epler, her two sons Max Epler (14) and Gus Epler (11), and her soulmate Justin Brown (famously known as “JB” and considered a son); Son Zachary Kiebel and his children, Easton Kiebel (11) and Kyla Kiebel (9); Brother Donald Schwager of New Liberty, Iowa; Brother David Schwager and Wife Alice (Clasen) Schwager of Bellevue, Iowa; 8 wonderful Nieces and Nephews: Peggy Schwager, Scott (Inez) Schwager, Brian (Kathy) Schwager, Stacy (Jason) Wolf, Stephanie Schwager, Lynn (Dan) Elmegreen, Darin Schwager and Dale (Valerie) Schwager. Preceded in death by Brother Robert and his wife, Marla (Herrig) Schwager, Sister-In-Law Joanne (Heiar) Schwager.

At a young age, I was greatly impacted by the work ethic and values forged while immersed on the Schwager Family Farm. My Mother, Martha, was a true pioneer—trailblazing a path to earn her GED despite the Great Depression and closing of school systems. With much fortitude, she also taught herself to drive, obtain her LPN degree and purchase her own adjacent Farm, raising white-faced Merino Sheep and Registered Red Angus Cattle. With so many profound examples of strength, she inspired my pursuit as a Registered Nurse from the Mercy School of Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Dubuque. The journey of my Nursing career spanned a total of 41 years, accumulated from the University of Iowa as one of the original Nurses in the new Cardiothoracic Department, Jackson County Public Hospital Emergency Department as a Nurse Manager and John Deere as an Occupational Health Registered Nurse. My Father, Sylvester, was an indelible Farmer—owning a Farm and 2 workhorses by the age of 18. From dawn to dusk, he was dedicated to an earnest work ethic, unwavering conservatism and personal responsibility. Much like the lifecycle on a farm, my Father instilled the belief every generation must be better than the last. I was undoubtedly blessed to have them as parents.

In my adult years, I was affectionately known as “Janeola” by family and friends. My signature trademark and rise to fame lands on my face (no, I’m not referencing my “Schwager nose”) as a pair of wild eyeglasses. If you look closely, the lenses do not match, nor do my earrings—symmetry is for the boring! Easily heard in crowds for my spontaneous generation of a horse-call as a method to motivate and encourage young athletes, especially for Dubuque Destroyer, Wahlert, and University of Idaho Soccer games. I was blessed with an absorbent amount of energy and found great pride in conquering various “projects” to the dismay of my loving husband, Steve, to whom I was married for 50 years on August 9 (I was hellbent on ensuring I stuck around to make this milestone) . He can’t complain, as he was always ‘invited” to take part in accomplishing the daily checklist! Retirement afforded us thrilling travel adventures include hiking the Alps of Switzerland and a Bike-and-Barge experience peddling the shores of Germany’s Saar and Mosel Rivers. Permanently relocating to Idaho in 2020, granted us the proximity to forge unforgettable memory-making antics, such as greeting the Grandkids at the bus-stop dressed as inflatable Dinosaurs and attending their various athletic competitions and life milestones. I dearly love and immensely proud of my Grandchildren Max, Gus, Easton and Kyla—may they vividly remember me for my harrowing conviction to make every generation better, as well as our frequent life lesson discussions, teaching of new skills and exemplifying a legacy of strong work ethic.

I hope to skid into Heaven sideways, traveling at Mock-5, exhausted and worn-out, with a Snickers Bar in my hand, shouting “Wow, what a ride I had on Earth!” And when I’m standing before God, I can only hope there is not a single bit of talent remaining so I can undoubtedly say, “I used everything you gave me.” Death invokes great sadness, so I will spare everyone a wake, funeral and visitation to commiserate my passing—a celebration of life is a possibility. For the love of all things holy, please do not waste your hard-earned money sending flowers … plus, my “Green-Thumb” has not transferred to the living members of the family. I may have been a Registered Nurse by night (25+ years working 3rd shift), but I was also a Master Gardener by day. And as a last-ditch effort to keep my backyard arboretum alive, I have opted for cremation and request my ashes be scattered amongst the beautiful flower beds. Grow baby, grow!

In closing, I want to deeply thank everyone in my life who has loved me—I have been beyond blessed having experienced each of you. You have moved me, changed me, and made me a better person by your love. For that, I will be eternally grateful (literally). So, do not mourn me dead, for we shall meet again. I pray it is comforting to know when you get to Heaven, I will be there to greet you with your favorite drink in my hand. For those looking for a sign, when a soft breeze fans your cheek, it will be my spirit passing by (or a storm coming). I will be with you always.

A special thanks to St. Luke’s Hospice and a mention of Dorinda, who took excellent care of me and laughed at Steve’s bad jokes. Condolences can be sent to: je********@*****il.com. Jenny will compile your sentiments and make a book for Steve, who was afraid he would inadvertently delete emails and lose them to a black hole. But, rest assured, he will continue to spam everyone on Facebook messenger daily.