Elnora Schwake

Elnora I. (Engelholm) Schwake passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at St. Anthony’s Care Center.
Visitation/viewing will be on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 10am – 12pm at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Waco, Texas. Funeral services will start immediately afterwards at 12:30pm.

Elnora was born in Rosebud, Texas on April 15, 1937.

Elnora’s strongest devotion was to her family. She married her sweetheart, William “Bill” on September 3, 1955. They were inseparable, always together.

She loved her children: Debbie Vonasek and Becky Allen of Waco, Greg Schwake and wife Cyndi of Riesel, and Jason Copeland of Waco.

Her grandchildren brought her much joy: Candice Vonasek of Waco, Brian Vonasek and wife, Jiliane of Bosqueville, Annie May and husband, William of Grandview, Kayla Ridings, Andrew Dosser, Cassie Monaghan and husband, Lenny of Waco, Ryan Joiner and his wife Erica, of Gatesville and Jeremy Joiner and his wife April, of College Station.

Her great-grandchildren brought her much joy: Ambry and Jobe Vonasek, Adde & Collin Gibbs, Brice May, Kailyn and husband Charlie Harrell, Velina Stuckey, Ranger Ridings, Holden Joiner and Mackenzie and Travis, Lacey and Wesley, Katilyn and Jacob Joiner.

She also leaves behind: her great-great granddaughter Blakelyn Harrell. She was in hope of meeting her great-grandson, Lenny Joe. due to be here on February 29th. Stormy, Enzo, Damien, and Amma Joiner and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Bill, her parents, Arthur and Katherine (Kasner), brothers: Roy Lee Engelholm and wife, Joyce, Conrad Engelholm, and Vernon Engelholm and his wife, Linda and son, Brian Keith Schwake, sons-in-law, Tony Vonasek and Lonnie (Joe) Allen and great-granddaughter, Jaylie Vonasek.

She was an avid gardener; she especially loved her flowers and trees. She loved to sing and listen to Christian/gospel and old country/western songs. She loved to watch the Texas Rangers and was able to see them win the World Series, now her Cowboys were another story, she’d watch them whether they were winning or losing. Her most favorite sport was gambling. She would get so excited when all the bells and whistles would go off as that meant “cha-ching” and she had more money to play. She was ruthless when it came to playing Skipbo as she really didn’t like to lose. She could play it 24/7.

Elnora was thankful to be blessed with Christian, God-fearing parents of who she will see again in heaven which led her to her foremost love of Jesus. Sundays at church were never missed. She loved all of her church friends, and they loved her. Anyone that knew her or even met her for the very first time, would be in her heart forever.

Elnora retired from Central Texas Printing in 1996, after 34 years of service. She was a workaholic.
A very special thank you to Harbor Hospice Health Care team for taking such good care and being so compassionate during this time. Especially Jackson, a young volunteer that came to see her almost every day; he won her heart and I know his hers as she asked that our family adopt him after her passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial/donations may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Waco or any charity of your choice.