Catch the St. Anne’s
Spirit with ...
Ron Schwartz
Ron Schwartz has been a volunteer extraordinaire
at St. Anne’s for years. His wife Mary was a resident
at the home. After she died in 2002, he thought he would
like to help other residents. So every Thursday and
Saturday he helps at the noon and evening meals transporting
residents to their rooms from the dining room. Rain
or snow, he volunteers from about 11 a.m. to 1:30 and
then returns from 4:30-7 p.m.
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“Ron is an inspiration and gives from his heart and
soul. He makes a huge difference to the quality of life for
our residents. He is quiet and humble and might not realize
how amazing he is,” said Lynn Vogt, Administrator of
St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus.
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The residents thank Ron as he pushes
their wheelchairs back and forth and many consider him
their friend.
“I get so much from this and enjoy everyone—the
residents, cooks, staff, laundry aides. Everyone is
friendly and welcoming and after I am finished, the
dietary aides serve me a delicious meal,” Ron
said.
One resident, Betty Grafwahlner, said, “We love
Ron and are amazed at all he does.”
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Ron was born and raised in the Troy Cente, Wisconsin,
area. He joined his father and brother on the family farm
which he helped work for years. When they stopped farming,
Ron moved to Milwaukee to live, work and marry.
He remembers when his Dad bought his first tractor and still
marvels at all his Dad accomplished when he just had a plow
and horses. “I learned a lot from my parents. They taught
us how to get along with people and help others. My Mom Nellie
was 104 when she died and my Dad Victor just 100,” he
said with a smile. Three of Ron’s sisters live in the
Milwaukee area.
Ron feels lucky that he volunteers in the dining
room because he meets so many residents and staff. The
latter appreciate Ron too. One aide said, “He
is so helpful and talented and he appreciates all of
us,” one pointed out.
In his spare time, Ron designs and makes model homes.
He also modeled the entire East Troy town square and
the project is now part of the city’s historical
records.
As a side note, Ron will be 97 on Valentine’s
Day, February 14. How blessed we are that this volunteer
with a great heart found St. Anne’s, the Home
with a Heart. |
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