Obituary of Donald Schwaller

Mass of Christian Burial for Donald Schwaller, 85, of Milford will be 10:30 am Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Visitation will begin at 4 pm Monday, August 17, 2015, with the family present from 5-7 pm at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Interment will be at Northlawn Cemetery in Spencer. Donald William Schwaller was born to William and Helen (Erdman) Schwaller on May 4, 1930 in Milford, Iowa. Don was raised on a farm east of Milford and attended St. Joseph's Catholic School through the 8th grade. He then began to help on the family farm, where his grandsons Doug and Dustin now reside. Don entered the US army on January 7th, 1951. He served in Hanau, Germany where he was part of the 4th Division, 4th Engineers. He achieved the rank of corporal and was discharged on December 9th, 1952. Don married Delores (Dee) Johnston on January 7, 1955 in Spencer, Iowa. Don worked as a hired man for a cattle farmer south of Everly. He and Delores began their own farming operation in 1956 on a farm southwest of Terril. In 1970, the family moved to Milford although Don's heart always stayed on the farm. Don purchased a truck with which he hauled grain, livestock, honey, and trees for the Milford nursery. He later was employed at McQuays and also drove gravel truck part time for Rex Bever. In his "retirement", Don delivered parts for NAPA, mowed lawns, moved snow for his neighbors, and was always available to lend a helping hand with any of his family's projects. Don enjoyed the daily newspaper, chocolate shakes, and sitting outside visiting with his neighbors. He also loved the Clay County Fair. He would attend as many days as possible during the week, and could often be found at Jones' Café. Don's greatest joy was his family, and he often displayed his pride by wearing his "#1 Grandpa" hat. Don passed away on August 14th, 2015 surrounded by his family at the Spencer Hospital. Don was preceded in death by Dee (November 2013), his wife of 58 years; his parents, Bill and Helen Schwaller; brother, Ray Schwaller; and brother-in-law, Melvin Roepke. He is survived by his daughter Diane Warburton, and son Dave Schwaller (Karen), all of Milford. Grandchildren: Brandon Warburton, Columbia, SC; Katelyn Warburton, Minneapolis, MN; Emily Schwaller (fiancé, Walter Kummerfeld), Spencer, IA; Doug Schwaller and Dustin Schwaller, Milford, IA. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Crane (Tom); sister-in-law, Elaine Schwaller; brother-in-law, Bob (Eleanor) Johnston; sister-in-law Darlene Roepke (Larry Goettsch); numerous relatives, neighbors, and friends.