Roger L. Schwalm

   Roger L. Schwalm, 85, a longtime former Alma resident, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025 at St. Mary Manor in St. Mary, Kansas.

   Born April 29, 1940, in Alma, Kansas, Roger was the son of John E. and Eleanor Elizabeth (Tenbrink) Schwalm. A man of strong faith, Roger was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma. He was also a member of The Legion of Mary, the Knights of Colombus, and active in several prayer groups in the area and came to know many people and form many friendships through these activities. Roger made trips to Our Lady’s shrine in Medjugorje, Bosnia Herzegovina. He remained prayerful throughout his life, particularly during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease and was an inspiration to the staff and residents at St. Marys Manor in St. Marys.

   Roger served in the National Guard in the early sixties. He earned a master’s degree in counseling with an undergraduate in History from Emporia State University. He farmed the family farm for many years and later was a real estate agent. Roger retired from the maintenance department at Kansas State University.

   An avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and sportsman, Roger played fast pitch softball for the Alma town team when he was younger. For many years, he coached youth basketball and enjoyed teaching the fundamentals of the game. He also enjoyed playing a good game of five-point pitch whenever the opportunity presented itself.

   Survivors include three sisters, Darlene Bloomfield of Wamego, KS, Mary Button of Portland, OR and Letha Elsasser of Salina, KS; a brother, John Raymond Schwalm (Marilyn) of Nortonville, KS; and many loving nieces and nephews.

   Roger was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Fr. Donald Schwalm, Dorothy Ronnau (Theophil “T”), Edna Baldwin (Robert), Wilma Willmer (Jack), Nyla Schwalm and Maxine “Mickey” Schwalm; and three brothers-in-law, John R. Bloomfield, Bob Button and Terry Elsasser.

   A memorial mass will be Wednesday morning (October 8, 2025) at 10:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma with Fr. Michael Peterson officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Alma.

   A memorial visitation will be Tuesday evening (October 7, 2025) from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma. A Rosary Service will be Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm.

   Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Family Catholic Church or St. Marys Manor. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.