He was born May 26th, 1928 in Port Austin, Michigan, son of the late George and Mae (Clancy) Schwanitz, on the family farm and was the third of six children.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Heyboer, and two brothers, George "Bud" Schwanitz and Patrick Schwanitz. He was a 1946 graduate of Bad Axe High School in Bad Axe, Michigan, attended Wayne State University in Detroit and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Judy (Yaroch) Schwanitz; his six children, Gary (Sharon) Schwanitz of Troy; Jan Teaford of Greenville; Dan (Paula) Schwanitz of Greenville; Neil (Ging) Schwanitz of Marshall Islands; Beth (Bill) VanKirk of Kansas; and Tina (Jeff) Waltke of Georgia; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph (Barb) Schwanitz and Mike Schwanitz of Michigan; brothers in-law and sisters-in- law Rich (Alice) Yaroch and Larry (Florence) Yaroch of Michigan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He started his career as a tool and die maker for Hall Lamp in Detroit. He was an engineer with Jervis, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then went on to become the Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Sheller Globe Corporation in Union City, Indiana, and the Chief Product Engineer at Siegel-Robert, Inc. in St. Louis.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the Greenville Elks. More than anything, he loved his wife and family. He was a devoted and amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Despite many years of declining health, he never lost his sense of humor.
Before he left this world, he asked that we thank everyone who touched his life and made his journey easier. Thank you for the kindness, prayers, and the love shown to him and his family.
A Memorial Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 A.M. Monday April 14, 2014 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church 233 West Third St., Greenville, Ohio with Rev. Father John R. White celebrating. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to State of the Heart Hospice.
Arrangements by Zechar Bailey Funeral Home Greenville, Ohio
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com
