James “Jim” R. Schwan, 73, of the Town of Dupont, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a nine-year battle with lymphoma.
James Ray Schwan was the youngest of six children born to the late Carl and Selma (Koepke) Schwan on Sept. 11, 1949, in Clintonville. Jim served his country in the Navy as a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal after he was wounded in an explosion during combat. Following an honorable discharge, he worked on the family farm and Welch Fire Equipment before spending 30 years at Marion Milling Co., where he could always be recognized by his polka dot hat. Jim also served as chief of the Dupont volunteer fire department for a time.
He met his wife, Elaine Andraschko, in April 1970; they were later united in marriage on March 3, 1971, in Waupaca. After retiring from the feed mill in 2006, Jim spent his time doing the things he enjoyed. He grew a large garden every year, kept everything on the farm in working order, and could fix just about anything. He was generous with his time; always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors fix whatever needed fixing. An interest in music led him to teach himself how to play the ukulele.
Jim kept life interesting for himself and those around him. He will be remembered as a very kind man who worked hard to make sure his family was well taken care of and loved, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Elaine; children, Corey Schwan (Kayla Kolbe), Sparta, Jill Schwan Grogan (Curt Knitt), Marion, Geoffrey Schwan (Erin Gehrman), Marion, and Kyle (Laura) Schwan, Ogdensburg; grandchildren, Colby Schwan, Haleigh Schwan, Gracie Grogan, Collin Grogan, Paige Schwan, Quynn Boushley-Kennedy, Cannon Schwan and Vilas Schwan; sisters, Barbara Dillenburg and Donna Krueger; and brothers, Charles (Carol) Schwan and Fred Schwan.
He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Edwin and Annette Andraschko; sister and brother in-law, Mary and George Salmonson; a sister-in-law, Sue Schwan; and brothers-in-law, Richard Dillenburg and James Krueger.
The Schwan family would like to thank the kind and caring staff of ThedaCare At Home Hospice; especially Kristy Crum RN and Chaplain Stuart McCoy.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marion, with the Rev. Lois Graper officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors will be conducted following the service by American Legion William Bertram Post 198 of Marion. Inurnment will take place at Roseland Cemetery, Town of Dupont, privately at a later date.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home and Crematory in Marion is assisting the Schwan family with arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
James R. Schwan
