Obit: Schwalbach, James Sr. (1937 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Abrahamson, Hickman Hitz, Jankowski, Kirker, Pinter, Porath, Romans, Schopf, Schwalbach, Star, Szalewski, Torre

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 9/18/2017

Schwalbach, James Sr. (8 OCT 1937 - 16 SEP 2017)

James Schwalbach Sr., 79, of Elderon, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in Elderon as the result of a tractor accident.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1937, in Elderon, the son of the late Alphonse and Margaret (Hitz) Schwalbach. On Dec. 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Doris Anna Marie Torre. She preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 1985. He then married Mary Ann (Pinter) Hickman on May 13, 1989. She survives.

James was a 1955 graduate of Wittenberg High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Army 25th Div. 69 Armor from 1961 to 1964 obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was a life member of the Elderon Memorial Post No. 8068 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Returning from military service he worked for Badger Freightways and later Roadway Express, Wausau, retiring in 1995 with 37 years driving. He then worked for Elderon Truck Parts for 16 years until retiring a second time. During his retirement, James started a new business (WI Binderman) restoring and building old International Trucks with a very fine collection from 1912-1960. He also helped out other hobbist with parts.

He was a snowmobile safety instructor (the first in the area) for 30+ years. Serving as club president for the Elderon Snow Angels, he helped the club establish some of the early trails. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Elderon, serving as church secretary for 41 years and then church counsel president from 2011 to present. James served as village president for 41 years, always trying to find ways to improve the village in many ways. Often times, if a grant or funds were not available, he would pay what it took to make a project work.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Schwalbach; three sons, Jim (Kristy) Schwalbach of Marshfield, Kurt Hickman of Elderon and Craig (Kristi) Schopf of Minneapolis, Minn.; three daughters, Vicky (Gary) Porath of Wausau, Lisa Kirker of Dorchester and Tammy (Bob) Star of Madison; one brother, Donald (Mary) Schwalbach of Elderon; two sisters, Arlene (Ralph) Romans of Milwaukee and Betty Szalewski of Menominee Falls; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alphonse Jr. and Eugene Schwalbach; and one sister, Janie Jankowski.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Elderon. Rev. Harvey Abrahamson will preside. Interment will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon, with military rites conducted by the V.F.W. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com  and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.