Mary Lou Swengel

Mary Lou Swengel, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Midland Hospice House. She was born in Peabody, KS on May 26, 1927, the daughter of Herbert and Ruth (Granger) Pipkin.

She graduated from El Dorado High School and attended Butler County Community College and Kansas State University. She married Robert (Bob) Swengel on December 21, 1947. He preceded her in death on April 26, 2003.

She also was preceded in death by a brother, Meredith G. Pipkin. She is survived by a son William (Bill) Swengel and wife Sandi; daughter Beth Johnston and husband Rob; granddaughter, Angela Swengel; grandson, Brad Johnston; step grandson, John Knopik and wife Jamie; and three step great grandchildren.

After being a stay-at-home Mom for 16 years, she worked as an Accountant for Allis-Chalmers for 18 years until they closed, then for the Finance Officer of the American Legion State Headquarters, until she retired in 1992. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #1, and the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW #1650.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at Penwell- Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas. Mrs. Swengel will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Monday and visitation will be from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Legion Post #1 Youth Program, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #1 Scholarship, 3800 SE Michigan Ave, Topeka, KS 66609, Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or charity of donor's choice.