Jack Schwenn

May 23, 1924 - April 9, 2011

Jack Leroy Schwenn died peacefully Friday, April 9, 2011, of pneumonia at LindenGrove Rehabilitation Center. Born on May 23, 1924, in Waukesha, Jack was the eldest son of Henry and Mattie Schwenn.

He was the much loved and respected father of Jeff Schwenn, (fiancée Judy Beck) and Jamie (Dan) Herda and the beloved grandfather of Abigayle Schwenn, Brickson Schwenn and Holly Herda. He is also survived by a brother, Jim Schwenn, and a sister, Sharon Neelson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Muriel May Schwenn (nee Rheingans).

Jack was a resident of 801 Northeast Ave., Waukesha, for more than 25 years. He worked in the Radiology Department at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital in Brookfield and later the Waukesha County Council on Alcoholism and the Waukesha Training Center. Jack was a certified alcoholism counselor for decades, lending his support to hundreds of members.

Jack was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and of fellow Milwaukeean Bob Uecker. He loved Big Band music, the outdoors and fishing.

He treasured his friends and family, and they in turn will remember him for his kindness, compassion, storytelling and the most wonderful, warm and melodic laugh. He always had patience, words of advice, encouragement and prayers for everyone dear to him. He had enormous compassion and loved animals; so much so that, though he was blind, he declined to have a seeing eye dog out of concern for the dog.

An informal memorial service will be held by his children from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Alano Club, 318 W. Broadway, Waukesha. Jack truly embraced the gift of sobriety that had been passed on to him from the hearts of Alcoholics Anonymous members in the community. Those who wish to pay tribute to him and share their experiences are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the Alano Club.

Jack’s family would like to thank the many people who brought joy and friendship to his life and to the staff at LindenGrove, (especially Candy), Care Wisconsin and Hospice Advantage, for their wonderful care and compassion.

According to Jack’s wishes, his body was donated to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.