David W. Schwarz

June 30, 1948 —July 26, 2027

Posted

CASHTON- David W. Schwarz, 76, of rural Cashton passed away on Friday, July 26, 2027, surrounded by his wife, 4 children, and all 15 of his grandchildren. Dave was born on June 30, 1948, to Norbert and Marian (Sullivan) Schwarz in Sparta.

After graduating from Cashton High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country on a communications ship that operated in the Philippines, Guam, Australia and off the coast of Vietnam. Dave enjoyed telling his kids and grandkids how his ship was part of the splashdown mission for the Apollo 11 crew, after their successful moon landing in July of 1969.

In 1973, Dave married Diane Leis, and together they raised a family on the dairy farm that he had grown up on. For more than 50 years, Dave and Diane were rarely apart, choosing to take on each day together - often riding on the tractor together, doing chores together, running errands together, joking around together, spending time with their grandkids together. They enjoyed being stewards of the land and always took pride in maintaining a nice-looking farm. Their children were incorporated into the chores and general care-taking at an early age, impressing a work ethic into them that they would later recognize and appreciate. After his son Jesse took over the farm operation, Dave remained involved and was proud of how Jesse’s family worked through challenges and added to the farm that he was so attached to. He continued to milk cows up until a few months before his death, viewing it more as a privilege instead of labor. In the milking parlor he was able to stay connected, continuing to maintain close bonds with the farm and family.

Family and faith were incredibly important to Dave and Diane. The offer of salvation through Jesus Christ is something that they would teach and live out as examples to their children and grandchildren. It is this same faith that allows the Schwarz family to have joy during this time of grief, thinking of Dave in a resurrected body that is free from imperfection. For decades, Dave and Diane have been important members of a tight-knit community at Leon Church.

Spending time with grandchildren became one of Dave’s greatest pursuits. Whether it was watching them participate in sports or talking with them about their interests and hobbies, he showed a genuine interest that they appreciated. After evening chores you could often find Dave watching the Milwaukee Brewers as Diane put together a late supper, and their home would be open to unannounced visits from their kids or any of their fifteen grandchildren. Dave lived for these visits. Dave’s love for music, passed down from his own father’s family, was a staple of many joyous family gatherings, impromptu or planned.

Dave spent the last month of his life at UW Hospital in Madison, where the healthcare staff mentioned many times that they were moved by the love and dedication of Dave’s family – visiting so often, caring so deeply, and praying so openly. They mourned alongside the family as he encountered setbacks to his health, and the Schwarz family is truly appreciative of the skills and empathy shown by the staff at UW Hospital.

David is survived by his wife of fifty years, Diane; his children Sara (Kit) Cook, David (Heidi) Schwarz, Jesse (Lindsi) Schwarz, and Rebecca (Keith) Hemmersbach; fifteen grandchildren: Ethan, Aiden, Quinn, and Ellery Cook; Vincent, Adelaide, and Elise Schwarz; Bradley and Audrina Schwarz; Isaac, Faith, Noah, Graham, Harrison, and Ireland Hemmersbach; brothers Daniel (Donna Hansen) Schwarz and John (Barb) Schwarz, and sister Dianne (Ernie) Ferrell, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Marian Schwarz, and his father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Donna Leis.

Funeral Services with full military honors will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Leon.  Pastor Don Ehler will officiate.  Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Leon Congregational Church.  Visitation will also be held on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

 

Torkelson Funeral Home