My life was made a little fuller because of his friendship and what he helped me see in myself and others.”Kevin Daugherty
CULLMAN – This week Cullman lost one of its very special citizens, Mr. Leo Schwaiger Jr. Schwaiger was a dedicated family man, devout Catholic and was loved and respected by many. The Ava Maria Grotto, where he spent more than 50 years as caretaker and craftsman, is a special place to all those who knew him. Before his retirement in Sep. 2014, Schwaiger contributed several additions of his own to the Grotto, including the Basilicas of Knock, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Jasna Gora Monastery, Great Wall of China, Pyramids, Montserrat and the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help.
He made many, many friends over the years through his work at the beautiful Ava Maria Grotto, his second home. He was also a familiar sight on the grounds of Saint Bernard since the early 1960s.
“With great sadness, I was informed that Leo Schwaiger, the caretaker and builder of some of the great pieces of art at Ave Maria Grotto, has passed away,” said Chris Robson. “My fond memory of Leo was when he was the tour guide to a bunch of motorcycle riders (aka Catholic Cross Bearers MM) a number of years back. His knowledge and passion for the Grotto certainly did not go unnoticed. May Jesus welcome you home faithful servant.”
“Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Leo Schwaiger who passed away yesterday,” Brother Raphael Pattarozzi wrote on Facebook. “Since 1963, Leo worked hard to maintain Br. Joseph's stonework at Ave Maria Grotto. Leo also made several additions to the Grotto. He and his surviving wife, Margaret, labored earnestly to keep the Grotto beautiful until their retirement in 2014. Leo was 90 years old at the time of his retirement. Rest in Peace.”
Schwaiger passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born April 18, 1925 to parents, Leo Schwaiger, Sr. and Sarah Amanda Swann Schwaiger. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Margaret Schwaiger; sons, Gary (Renee) Schwaiger, Mark (Suzanne) Schwaiger, Larry (Aleyda) Schwaiger, Barry (Julie) Schwaiger; daughters, Karen (Jeff) Freeman, Mary Beth Longenecker; step-daughter, Karen Comer.
“Leo Schwaiger worked, volunteered and generally looked after the Grotto, all campus buildings, and grounds for decades,” said longtime friend Kevin Daugherty. “He became a good friend to me during my time at Saint Bernard College in the 1970s. We spent the equivalent of hours just talking. My life was made a little fuller because of his friendship and what he helped me see in myself and others.”
A talented, yet humble man, Schwaiger will be dearly missed by many. Thankfully, his spirit will remain in the hearts of those who knew him and through his works of art at the Ave Maria Grotto.
Funeral services for Leo Schwaiger, Jr., 91, of Cullman will be at 10 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fr. Patrick Egan, O.S.B. officiating with interment in Catholic Cemetery.
