Christel Schwedes always maintained that God was the center of her life and that she lived her life by His grace. She passed peacefully into His everlasting care on September 24th, 2026 at the age of 92 years.
Born alongside her twin brother in the rural village of Kerbshorst, Prussia (just southwest of modern day Elbląg, Poland) to Rudolph Behrend and Charlotte Siebert, Christel grew up on the family’s farm and Gasthaus. In early 1945, the family was forcibly expelled from their home and land by the Red Army and made to endure numerous atrocities. They eventually settled as refugees in Bad Godesberg, West Germany in 1946 - first in a school, then a hotel, and then finally their own apartment in the summer of 1950. After finishing grade school, Christel attended trade school to become a salesperson and worked at a linen store.
While she was waiting at the bus stop one rainy day, a gas station employee named Volkmar Schwedes welcomed Christel inside to stay dry. The two became friends and stayed in touch, even after Volkmar emigrated to the United States, looking for adventure and a fresh start after World War II. When Christel received a letter from him in 1957 inviting her to visit Michigan, she knew she had to go. At age 23, she boarded a Lufthansa propeller plane to the US, despite knowing no English and knowing no one in the country but Volkmar. After one month, she and Volkmar married in a small ceremony in Detroit and settled in Madison Heights. Christel worked cleaning houses until 1959, when she gave birth to twins of her own, Diana and Lorraine. Christel eventually became a US citizen and a fluent English speaker, even helping young children learn English as a teacher’s assistant at Edison Elementary School.
Christel loved being outside and enjoying God’s creation. She could frequently be found soaking up the sunshine, riding her bike, going for brisk walks, or gardening. Her hard work on her colorful flower beds, well-manicured green grass, and pristine white picket fence won her the city of Madison Heights' Beautification Award twice. She was a square dancer, an avid traveler, and a cherished Oma. Though raised in the Mennonite faith as a child, Christel found her church home at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Madison Heights and later at Faith Lutheran Church in Troy. She was known as a woman of deep faith and an encourager, frequently handing out chocolates to brighten someone’s day or prayerfully interceding on a friend’s behalf. She had a strong spirit and always sought to find the good in her hardships - even during her last weeks of life.
She will be forever loved and missed by her daughters Diana (Ernie) and Lorraine (Gary); grandchildren Christiana, Melina, and Grant; large extended family in Germany; and many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Volkmar; close friend Helmut Wienand; siblings Max, Annchen, Rudi, Gerda, Alfred, Erwin (her twin brother), Gertrud, and Hermann; and parents Rudolph and Charlotte.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Christel’s life and legacy during a visitation at D.S. Temrowski and Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Rd., Warren, MI 48093 on Monday, September 28th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. A funeral service will follow at the same location beginning at 12:30 PM. An interment will then follow at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
At Christel’s request, memorial donations may be made towards Pastor Paul W. Arndt’s mission work. A link is provided below.
Ruhe sanft in Gottes Frieden.
