Jonella Schwaller

Jonella Schwaller (Dierickx) passed away on May 2nd, 2026. As her late husband Dick would say, she lived a “wonderful life”. “Jo” was born December 1st, 1934, to Arthur and Cleone Dierickx in Big Rock Iowa, near her parents’ farm. She was one of the oldest of 7 children.

Jo relayed many memories of her Iowa farm life, such as her mischievous older brothers chasing the bulls after her! When her mother, Cleone, became ill, she cared for her younger siblings. Jo developed a strong sense of responsibility during her childhood.

Jo subsequently attended Marquette University and graduated at the top of her class in the School of Nursing. She completed her Registered Nurse training in Milwaukee, where she met Dick. They were married on December 28th, 1957, and soon started a family. Jo relished her role as a mom. Her nursing skills helped with fevers, scrapes, bruises, and other maladies. She played dentist and hairdresser when needed -and sometimes when her services were not needed!

In 1969, they moved to Bozeman, MT, with their 7 children. At the time, Dick was completing his PhD in mathematics at Montana State University. He eventually earned a faculty position at M.S.U. Dick and Jo fell in love with the mountains. Their favorite activities included camping, fishing, hiking, ice-skating, gardening, and Sunday activities with the family.

Jonella and Dick instilled their love of music in their children. In the 1970s, at Holy Rosary Church in Bozeman, the family choir belted hymns to the heavens, playing a variety of instruments. Faith anchored their marriage. Music was an important expression of that faith. “MaSchwa” enjoyed playing the organ and attending the kids' various orchestra, band, and choir concerts.

“MaSchwa” will be remembered for her outstanding casseroles and “well done” steaks, her wit, her affection for the Lawrence Welk Show, her Iowa farmgirl pronunciations and sayings, and her absolute love for babies. If there is a role in Heaven for someone to watch the little ones, she will be the first to volunteer!

Jonella is survived by her brothers Dan and Chuck, her sister Chris, and her and Dicks’ children: Art (Lynn), Therese, Ray (Carrie), Frank, Kati (John), Mike (Mona), and Jenny, 15 grands and 11 greats.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the wonderful caregivers who provided exceptional care and compassion to Jonella during the last few years, especially the staff at Beehive Homes, where “Mrs Jo” spent her last days.

A rosary will be held Thursday, 6:30 pm, with a vigil at 7:00 pm, at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service, 300 Highland Boulevard, followed by an ice cream social. Funeral Mass is Friday, 10:00 am, at Resurrection Parish, 1725 South 11th Avenue, with a reception at Dahl following the burial at Sunset Hills Cemetery.