Paul Schwanz

Paul Louis Schwanz was born September 11, 1918, the son of Andrew and Johanna Darling Schwanz. He passed away at his home in Denison, Iowa, on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at the age of 93.
Paul was born in Deloit, Iowa. He was baptized in Christ in the Boyer River and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Grant Township, Ida Grove, Iowa. Paul was proud to have served his country entering the U.S. Army on June 11, 1942, 81st Infantry Wild Cat Division, Tech 5, cook/baker. He received his honorable discharge on January 10, 1946. Paul was a member of the American Legion Post 8 in Denison, active in the Color Guard and the Memorial Day services.
Paul was united in marriage to Marie Dose on February 23, 1947, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa, and to this union was born three daughters - Paula, Laura Lee, and Marylou. The couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in February 2011. Paul and Marie worked hard on the farm for 35 years. Paul sold Wilson seed corn for many years, running a well organized seed business and was top notch in customer relations. After retiring from the farm, he worked for Earl May Garden Center in Denison where he discovered his love for landscaping. Paul then started his own lawn service, planting many trees and landscaping many businesses and residences in Denison and the surrounding areas. He and his wife Marie were custodians at the Denison Job Corp Center, Norwest Bank, and United Bank of Iowa in Denison and also mowed the Lutheran Cemetery for 13 years.
Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved the outdoors, especially working with his rosebushes and yard. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildrens sports events. He was an excellent cook, liked to bake, play cards, go bowling, and visit with neighbors and friends. Paul and Marie were members of the local square dance group "Denison Circle & Swing." He also enjoyed going deer hunting with his sons-in-law and grandson. On any given day, you could see Paul and Marie on their porch swing swinging peacefully, watching the birds, and laughing at the squirrels.
Paul was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. He had a strong faith and liked to attend Bible Class on Sunday mornings. He served as Sunday School Superintendent and an usher at church and was a member of the dartball team.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Bessie; his wife, Marie in January; two grandchildren, Teresa and John Paul; one son-in-law, Paul; five brothers: Edson and his wife, Louise; Clarence and his wife, Irene; Lester; Harry and his wife, Mildred; LeRoy and his wife, Pearl; three sisters: Sally and her husband, Carl; Gracie; and Dorothy and her husband, Donovan. Survivors include three daughters, Paula and her husband, Douglas; Laura Lee; and Marylou; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Wilbert and his wife, Lila; one sister-in-law, Marie J.; other relatives, and friends.