Richard Schwend

Well Known highland area businessman Richard Ray Schwend died from a heart attack at his residence in Highland at 2:48 A.M. Saturday, November 10, 2007. He was 47 years old. Rich was born on October 29, 1960 at St. Joseph Hospital to R. Eugene and Marion A. (Schmiedeke) Schwend. He married Linda Marie Steiner on June 21, 1987 in St. Clair County. His parents and his spouse all survive in Highland. He attended Highland schools and graduated from Highland High School in 1979. He was a 1984 graduate of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He joined the family-owned business, Highland Ready Mix, shortly after graduation. The company later became Schwend\'s Ready Mix Concrete with operations in Highland, Troy, O\'Fallon, Mascoutah, Columbia, Jerseyville, and Litchfield. He served as president of the company for a number of years and served a term as president of the Illinois Ready Mix Concrete Association. He was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland. He was also very active in a variety of civic organizations, including Masonic Lodge #583, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Southern Illinois-Belleville, Ainad Temple Shriners of East St. Louis, Loyal Order of the Mouse, Lodge #2479, Highland Optmist Club, Highland COuntry Club and Highland Jaycees. He was also extremely supportive of youth oriented organizations in the Highland area. Rich\'s favorite pastime certainly included spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed playing golf and traveling, especially to Tahiti, Tortola, the Caribbean and Mexico. Surving with his wife and parents are his children; daughters Jennifer L. Kerwin of Breese, Amber R. and Kara L. Schwend, at home, son Daniel C. Hobson, Jr. of Germantown, two grandchildren, Dalen J. Kerwin of Breese and Kyler H. Lake of Highland. Also surviving are sisters; Sandra J. (Tom) Hammer, Terri L. (Steve) Holt of Highland, and Jeanne M. (Gary) Huber of Trenton, and brother David G. (Carol) Schwend of Highland. Also surving are mother-in-law Mariann Steiner of Highland and sisters-in-law Amy L. (Boyd) Rinderer of Highland and Barbara A. (Bobby) Estes of Rawlett, Texas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles who reside in the immediate area. He was preceeded in death by Father In-law-Jerry H. Steiner. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Richard Schwend

October 29, 1960 - November 10, 2007