Magdalena M. (Kessler) Schweizer, 1880–1941

Magdalena Kessler was a daughter of Mary Genevieve Burghart and Johann George Kessler and was born on 13 September 1880. Magdalena had nine brothers and sisters growing up in South St. Louis at 2308 Lemp Avenue where there was room for a vegetable garden, cows, and chickens. Their home was near the Griesedieck Brewery.

When Frank Schweizer came to St. Louis, he moved to 2308 Lemp with his cousin, Charles Schweizer. Frank and Charles worked in East St. Louis, Illinois, at the Swift Company National Stockyards. After a few years, Charles married Mary Genevieve Kessler. On 14 October 1903, Magdalena “Lena” married Frank Schweizer at Sts. Peter & Paul Church with Joseph Kessler and Margaret Brinkman serving as witnesses.

Frank and Magdalena lived at 2007 Ann Avenue all of their married life. With a very simple life style without any frills, in a house with five rooms, coal stove, etc. this couple raised nine children. Their children were as follows:

• • Cecelia, who became Sister M. Lioba SSND, born in 1904
  • Rosalia, born in 1905
  • Joseph, born in 1907
  • Hildegard, born in 1909
  • Frank, born in 1911
  • Henry, born in 1912
  • Regina, born in 1913
  • Bernard, born in 1916
  • Marie, born in 1917

Magdalena Kessler Schweizer died at home on 27 October 1941, with her burial at Sts. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Written by Judy Broleman
June 2020

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Last Modified: 29-Oct-2020 10:28