Paul Schwarz

Paul Clarence Schwarz, 93, died on December 8, 2010, at Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek, Iowa.
Paul was born on October 8, 1917, on the family farm north of Ricketts, Iowa, the fourth son of William and Christine Clausen Schwarz. He attended the local Crawford County public school through 8th grade, then attended catechism class at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township where he was confirmed. Until he moved to Ida Grove in 2007, Paul spent his entire life in the Ricketts area. He delighted in relating many of the events of his early life on the farm, such as riding his horse Baldy to school in inclement weather, galloping past slow-moving cars on mud roads, picking corn by hand, barn dances, making home brew, the family band, and the difficulties of living during the Great Depression.
He married Aletha Schramm on November 7, 1937, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grant Township. They had three children, Kenneth, Wendell and Colleen. Paul did local trucking, owned and operated a cream station, farmed, drove school bus for the Schleswig-Ricketts Community Schools, drove tank wagon for Ricketts Oil Company, and worked as a hail adjuster for 10 years. Paul and Aletha enjoyed 42 years of marriage until Aletha was called Home by God in 1980. Paul married Emma Jean Conover on January 24, 1986.
Pauls loves were his God, his family and his friends. His greetings brought winces, since his handshakes were similar to placing your hand in a vice and his bear hugs were best described by one grandchild as bone-crushing. Paul was very proud to be a charter member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ricketts. He held many offices at St. Luke and for several years he served on the Eventide Lutheran Board of Directors. He also served in many capacities in the Ricketts community, including mayor and fire chief. In 2007 he was awarded the Ricketts Community Citizen of the Year award in appreciation for his many years of service.
Over the years Paul had many interests: umpiring softball games in Ricketts, dancing, fishing, Denisons Monday night auctions, wintering in Phoenix, traveling to visit family, sportsespecially attending Iowa Hawkeye football games, and playing cards and dominoes. Paul always said, "You dont even have to win to have fun."
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Elmer, Victor and Benny; and his wife, Aletha. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Emma Jean; his children: Kenneth and his wife, Joleen; Wendell and his wife, Kathy , and Colleen; seven grandchildren: Traci, Guy, Michael, Tanis, Wendy, Paula and Andrew; 13 great-grandchildren; his stepchildren: Dennis, Vicki , Patsyand her husband, Dave, and Tammie and her husband, Jim; 12 stepgrandchildren; 21 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild; many other relatives and friends.