Header Logo

Leah Schwickerath

leah schwickerath

November 18, 1966 ~ October 28, 2021

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Leah Kay Schwickerath age 54 of New Hampton, IA, died Thursday, October 28, 2021, surrounded by her family at MercyOne in New Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton, with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Hampton. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Leah was born Nov. 18, 1966, in New Hampton, the daughter of James and Joann (Brincks) Laures, and grew up on a farm near New Hampton, where she helped her parents with chores and was an active 4-H member, who took part in numerous static shows throughout her years in her club. She received her education from New Hampton Community Schools and was a member of New Hampton High School’s Class of 1985. During an outing at Airport Lake, Leah met Neal Schwickerath and the two quickly realized they had found the perfect person. They were married on April 12, 1986, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. The young couple farmed, and Leah worked side by side with Neal for many years. It didn’t matter if it was working with the cattle, helping with the crops, or taking care of the chickens, Leah contributed mightily to the Schwickerath farm. Their family grew to include three daughters — Sara, Susan, and Barbara — who will tell you they had the best stay-at-home mother. Leah loved spending time with her girls, be it working with them on their homework, the farm, or their 4-H projects. She had high expectations for her girls, but they also knew they had a mother who loved them with all of her heart. For years, Leah was the club leader for the Devon Dreamers 4-H Club, and maybe only God knows how many projects she helped her club members take to county and state fairs. Her commitment to the program was honored when Leah was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame in 2021. In the mid-2000s, when all of her girls were in school, Leah took a job as a school cook — first working in the New Hampton Elementary School cafeteria and later moving out to the high school. She loved her school kids, and they returned that love. Leah enjoyed talking with kids of all ages about everything from how school was going to the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Leah was also an active member of the New Hampton Women of Today, helping with the organization’s events. Her favorite was the annual Easter Egg Hunt, and she — along with her girls — would spend hours placing the eggs at Mikkelson Park and then enjoy the few minutes of madness that ensued when the “horn” went off, signaling the start of the hunt. Although Leah and Neal weren’t big travelers, they enjoyed taking vacations with the girls, including a trip to Las Vegas in 2021, and what the girls called “mom-and-dad” trips later in life. Sunday afternoons at the Schwickerath house always included watching the TV show “Mad Dog and Merrill” and one of Leah’s favorite trips came this past summer when she and her husband traveled to Wisconsin to watch a taping of the grilling show. Leah was also a lifelong member of Catholic parishes — first St. Mary’s and then Holy Family — and had a strong faith. She was so looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild, a girl, who is due later this month. On Aug. 14, 2019, Leah was diagnosed with colon cancer, and she put up a tenacious fight against the disease for more than two years. The cancer never took away her zest for life, her love for a good conversation (be it at home, school, or the aisle of the grocery store), and her drive to help others. Maybe the best way to describe this remarkable woman is she was the “real deal.” She was as honest as a day is long, she was unpretentious and just wanted to be loved by others. The world just won’t be the same without Leah. Survivors include her husband, Neal; three daughters, Sara (JJ) Jerdee of New Hampton, Susan (Brandon) Shatek of Ankeny, Barbara Schwickerath of New Hampton; a granddaughter that will arrive soon; her parents, James and Joann Laures of New Hampton; one brother; one sister; sisters-in-law, Pam (Virgil) Pickar of New Hampton, Sandra Armbruster of Iowa City, Ann Schwickerath (Carl Callaway) of Davenport. She was preceded in death by her father & mother-in-law, Reynold & Corinne Schwickerath, brothers-in-law, Andrew Armbruster, Daniel Schwickerath.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  3. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Neal, Sara, Susan, Barbara, and all of the Schwickerath family. We are so sorry for your loss. Leah was very sweet and we always enjoyed her friendship over the years. Nick and Kendra Leibold

    Reply

  4. We are so sorry to hear about Leah passing. Hang on to the wonderful memories you have of your wonderful Mom. God bless you all!

    Reply

  5. I was DEEPLY SADDENED to hear of Leah’s death. I first met her over 23 year ago when I attended my first Iowa Women of Today meeting. In 2006 I joined the New Hampton IA WT-of which Leah had been a member since 1995 — and feel fortunate to have been able to get to know her and work along side her for thirteen years-until she left the chapter. She was always caring and helpful and she WILL be greatly missed by many in her “Women of Today family”!!!

    Reply

  6. Our deepest sympathies for your loss of beautiful Leah. Sending love and peace during these difficult days. Your friends at Plum Creek Repair

    Reply

  7. We are deeply saddened to hear of Leah’s passing. She was always so kind and loved visiting with her. Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family!

    Reply

  8. Neal and girls, Leah was a very special lady. So giving and funny. All who knew her were blessed. Love and hugs. Daryl and Laure Bouska

    Reply

  11. I am so sorry to hear about Leah passing! I love to visit with Leah, so much fun at the 4h fair grounds. Sending Love and prayers and HUGS. Thinking of the Schwickerath family.

    Reply

  13. Sorry to hear of Leah’s death. My sympathy to Neil and the girls. Leah was such a pleasant person and always loved to visit, when I would see her. Hold your memories close.

    Reply

  14. Sorry for your loss my the Love of Jesus carry you through the grief. Know Leah is in the arms of Jesus.

    Reply

  15. Neal, Sara, Susan and Barbara I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife and mom. She was so kind and always so friendly to visit with! She had a heart of gold! Cherish all the memories if her. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 she will dearly be missed 😢 💔

    Reply

  16. I enjoyed Leah as one of my students at NHHS and always liked our quick visits when we ran into each other through the years. Prayers to all of you.

    Reply

  17. Neal, Sara, Susan and Barbara, our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. I was hoping she would be able to fight the cancer and be able to celebrate the new grandchild she was a special lady and touched many lives with love.

    Reply

  20. Regards to Neil and his girls. So sorry to hear this. I enjoyed knowing Leah at the library and through her girls’ Odyssey of the Mind activities. I know she was so proud of their success at school and 4-H. She helped make our community better with her WOT projects.

    Reply

  22. My deepest sympathy to the Schwickerath family. I’ll always remember the good times we worked together at Caseys. Leah was a fun person to work with. May God comfort her family

    Reply

  49. Hugs and prayers to all such a sweet sweet person she will be missed by many❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

    Reply

  62. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Such a wonderful wife, mom and friend. Hugs!

    Reply

  76. This is so sad to hear. Leah was always so thoughtful every time I saw her out and about. Heaven has gained such a beautiful Angle. May you be free of pain. I will miss you dear friend ♥️

    Reply

  90. I’m so sorry to see this. Leah was such a good person. We will always remember her. Our deepest sympathy to her entire family. ✝️

    Reply

  97. Leah was a great gal, too young to die, & sadly missed by her family & friends. Our prayers are with the family.

    Reply

  106. So saddened to here of Leah’s death. She was such a kind and sweet person. I knew her through women of today and enjoyed every time I got to spend time with her. Sending the family hugs.

    Reply

  114. So remember her in the elementary lunchroom when I took my kids down to lunch! She raised such great daughters! She will be missed!

    Reply

  115. We are saddened to hear of Leah’s passing. What a corageous battle she fought. She was someone to be very proud of. Deepest sympathy

    Reply

  119. The world lost a good one and heaven gained an angel. No matter when our paths crossed, she always had time for a quick visit. When I would ask how she was doing, it was always a positive response, what a trouper. Her story written here in the obit is so, so true…..I am terribly sorry for your loss, may your memories make you smile, the world was made better by Leah!

    Reply

  125. Leah was such a lovely lady to run into at the grocery store and have a friendly conversation with. She will be greatly missed!

    Reply

  133. Our hearts are breaking. Leah will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as well as her beautiful family. Leah loved and cherished her family. You girls were her pride and joy. Fly high with the angels, under the wings of God. ALWAYS BLESSINGS 💝 NEVER LOSSES All our love and support Margo, Jim, Spencer and Irelynn

    Reply

  134. My heart was so sad to hear of Leah’s passing. To Neal, Sara, Susan, Barbara, and all of her family, please know that you are in our many thoughts and prayers. Leah was a lovely person with an infectious smile and a warm heart, and I always enjoyed our brief visits at the library and wherever I would meet her. She will be greatly missed. May God comfort you as you remember your many fond memories together.

    Reply

  136. I never had the pleasure of meeting Leah, but worked with Sara, and I know from my conversations with Sara that Leah was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My condolences to the entire family. Brady Sutton

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Free Planning Kit

Receive FREE Information

Request Now
Header Logo