Lisa Marie Schwarte

Lisa worked for Principal Financial Group for many years and was an accountant for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed her profession, but being a mother to Alex, Megan and Zachary and wife to Jeff were her most treasured roles. She spent many years as a stay-at-home mom and it brought her great joy to cheer on her children during music, academic and athletic events and to be there for all the little moments of their lives. Lisa’s Catholic faith was at the center of her life. She saw her cancer journey as a beautiful way to receive the love of her community and to surrender to God’s plan. Lisa was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was involved in many groups and organizations within the parish. Always looking for ways to put her faith in action, she loved to help others and give back to the community. Lisa was an avid, early morning runner, enjoyed playing the piano and traveling with her family to Arizona or a warm beach. Lisa loved her cats, being outdoors in her garden and taking care of her flowers.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Jeff; her three children, Alex, Megan and Zachary; her parents, Robert and Leora Bonert; and brother, Mike Bonert. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Anthony and Anastasia Bonert; and maternal grandparents, Camillus and Viola Meyers.

Celebration of Lisa Schwarte’s Life

Today is a day to rejoice, for Lisa has started the process of entering into heaven and into an eternal life that is more beautiful than any of us can imagine. When Lisa was diagnosed with cancer, I was scared, prayed for healing, prayed for a miracle, for anything to save her.

We were saved…just not the way we expected.

This cancer journey quickly became a faith journey. We experienced a wide community of love and support in countless ways. We never, ever felt alone. Our family grew closer to God after she was diagnosed. Lisa and I are forever grateful for the ways you lifted up our family and gave us the opportunity to feel the love of a Christian community. Countless acts of kindness were shown to us from active apostles for Christ. Many of those active apostles are sitting in this church today. Being the hands and feet of Christ saved us.

Thank you.

Lisa surrendered her cancer to God every step of the way. She surrendered her ability to drive, eat, walk, and so many things many of us take for granted. Soon we began to see that cancer is the Lord’s battle, not ours. The suffering that came with Lisa’s serious illness also laid so many amazing moments right at our feet. When you surrender your wants and needs to God, it opens up the Kingdom of God to you. Lisa and I had moments of joy and laughter that had nothing to with what was going on around us - on days that included suffering and pain, there was also joy because we surrendered, handed it over to God and lightened our load. It wasn’t always easy, but Knowing that God’s got us – all of us – saved us. We pray it will bring you joy and peace in tough times, as well.

God is everywhere. We just have to remove our earthly blinders to see Him. Cancer allowed us to fully realize His presence on many occasions. For instance, when Lisa was in the hospital this summer, she nominated one of her nurses and a nurse aid for an award. A few months went by and we almost forgot about it - until Lisa was back in the hospital and those caregivers came to visit her, hung a banner outside her room and told her they both won the award that day. This was a God moment for us. This past summer, Lisa saw the image of the Virgin Mary in her hospital room numerous times. Lisa and I both saw the Mary statue in our bedroom glow in the darkness on more than one occasion in the past couple of months. Lisa saw angels. We were saved from ever doubting for a moment that God wasn’t with us.

I believe we each leave a “spiritual footprint” behind in everything we do – it can be as simple as opening a door for someone, sharing a smile, praying for someone, choosing a positive attitude and in the way we live our daily lives. It’s contagious and inspires others to do the same. This cancer journey has taught me that my life isn’t about me. It’s about using my God-given talents to help others and advance God’s kingdom – to leave my own spiritual footprint behind. God wants us to be joyful.

Lisa will be leaving spiritual footprints all over the place – I know that Lisa will do more for others in heaven than she did here on earth. She will be praying for all of us and will be with us spiritually. Our family finds comfort in knowing she’s no longer suffering, is at peace and filled with joy.

Because of her ability to hand over her suffering to God, to be humbled before God in her pain and to trust in His plan…she will always be our family’s “Saint Lisa of Des Moines.”

Lisa has certainly been saved…and with a joyful heart I can honest say…so has our family.