Mark E. Schwantes

Mark E. Schwantes, Grandpa Suzie, age 88, of Beetown, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Lancaster. He was born on July 24, 1925, in Lancaster, the son of Leonard and Myrtle (Burgess) Schwantes. Mark attended country school. On December 2, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country until his honorable discharge on May 16, 1946. On January 7, 1949, Mark was united in marriage to Dorothy Irish in Lancaster. After their marriage, Mark worked in Dubuque, IA, at Farley Electric until the business was sold. He then was employed at the Belmont Butcher Shop. Mark also worked at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville as a custodian for twenty-one years until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed his time at the cottage in Bagley before moving to Beetown. Mark enjoyed fishing and playing cards, especially Cribbage. He also enjoyed woodworking. Mark was a member of the Thorpe-Taylor American Legion Post No. 551 of Beetown.

Survivors include his loving wife, Dorothy, Lancaster; a daughter, Sheila (Gary) Buss, Lancaster; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Schwantes, Lancaster; nine grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by a son, Garnett; three brothers and one sister: Roger, Roy, Richard and Margaret.

Memorial services with military honors were held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends called on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.