A lover of gardening, golfing, and bowling who would take your money at the card table one minute and cook you the world’s best chicken goulash the next. Anna Schwanda, 99, of Studienka, Czechoslovakia, died surrounded by loved ones in McFarland, Wisconsin on October 5th, 2023.

Anna was born in Studienka in 1923 to Anna and Frank Hruz and gained a reputation in her village both as a troublemaker and a fierce defender of her sisters, Pauline and Mary. At the age of 14, she and her family escaped the country on the last train out before the Nazi invasion in 1938. She eventually settled in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, before making her way to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area in 1940, where she owned a liquor store and subsequently worked at Briggs and Stratton for 27 years while becoming known for her wonderful gardens.

She was not only a hard worker but also a devoted mother, raising her children with love and care. Anna had a special bond with her kids, Anthony, Ann, Alan, Allison, and the late Annette, and her 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. That large, close-knit family gave her a chance to express her generous heart through cooking, especially Slovak cooking, with Schwanda get-togethers highlighted by visits to Anna’s home for chicken soup and dumplings. That generosity also was part of her love of travel - she never returned from a trip empty-handed, making sure she had something to bring back for everyone.

Anna’s competitive spirit shined through in her love of gambling, whether cards or slot machines. Many a late night was spent around the card table with Anna playing Sheepshead – and may the Lord have mercy on you if you played your cards incorrectly or were on the opposing team. She was a formidable opponent at any game, even those she had never played, as she had the knack for picking up strategy in just a few hands.

Anna will always be remembered for her words on happiness: “Someone to love, something to do, something to look forward to.” She cherished her friendships as a sociable woman who loved to party and have a good time, while never giving up her generous heart and an unwavering love for her family. Anna's legacy lives on in the hearts of that family, who will forever cherish the memories they shared with this remarkable woman.

Anna was preceded in death by parents Anna and Frank, sisters Pauline and Mary, and daughter Annette Slawny, and is survived by children Anthony (Linda), Ann Marie (Stephen), Alan (Debra), and Allison (Jennifer), and grandchildren Anthony, Sue Ann, Nicole, Angela, Matthew, Marie, Zachary, Nicholas, Timothy, Nicholas, Thomas, and Renee. 

Anna’s family wants to share their heartfelt thanks with the staff of the Agrace Adult Day Center staff, who helped make her later years ones to cherish. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to Agrace with “Adult Day Center” on the memo line.

Visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt in Menomonee Falls on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 4:30pm-7:30pm. Additional visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am.