Rev. Curtis T. Schowalter, age 93, of West Bend, went to his heavenly home on Saturday October 19, 2013 at Cedar Community.
He was born on March 12, 1920 in Milwaukee to the late Harris and Adel (nee Puls) Schowalter. His early years were spent in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. After graduating from Washington High School, Curt entered the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in secondary education.
During WW II Curt graduated from the Army Officers' Candidate School and served on assignment at Camp McCoy and Fort Sheridan. It was at this time that Curt was united in marriage to Marjorie Abraham on September 25, 1943.
Following his honorable discharge in March of 1946, Curt began his seminary training at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Daughter Jane was born in October. In May of 1948 the Schowalter's moved to Lake Geneva, WI where Curt began his first pastorate at 1st Congregational U.C.C. Ordination was celebrated in September. After five years in Lake Geneva, Curt & Marge made their home in Greendale, WI, during which Ruth Ann was born. Curt served at Greendale Community Church for six years, during which son Jim was born. In the fall of 1960 Curt accepted a call to the 1st Congregational Church in Ottawa, IL where he spent the next 19 years. Curt also ministered at the 2nd Congregational Church in Rockford, IL for five years, and the 1st Congregational Church in Carpentersville, IL for two years.
In 1987 Curt and Marge moved to Cedar Ridge in West Bend, and Curt served at St. John's U.C.C. in Kohlsville for 14 years until his retirement.
He was a member of Peace U.C.C. in Kewaskum, past Dean of the Illinois Mission Council, served as Church Camp Director at Pilgrim Park many times, served as moderator and vice moderator in the Northern Association, five time delegate to the General Council and General Synod of the Congregational Church and the United Church of Christ, long time Rotarian, and throughout the years served on many other civic and religious boards. While at Cedar Ridge, Curt started the men's breakfast club, started and moderated the current events program, and was active in the bible study program.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; three children, Jane (James) Bracher of Carmel, CA, Ruth Ann (Lynden) Mitchell of Annandale, VA, and Jim (Raechel) Schowalter of Brookfield; six grandchildren, Elizabeth (Mikael) Johnston, Ted (Lisa) Mitchell, Lindsey Mitchell, Katie (Joel) Amidon, Kristin (Andrew) Amenson, and Timothy Schowalter; seven great-grandchildren, Ty Mitchell, Alec Mitchell, Noah Amidon, Annabelle Amidon, Jackson Amidon, Henry Amenson, and Wesley Johnston; a sister, Margaret McConnaughay of West Bend; a brother, Richard (Lynn) Schowalter of Hartland; a sister-in-law, Ruth Abraham of South Milwaukee; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Adel Schowalter; his parents-in-law, Arthur and Eleanor Abraham; two brothers-in-law, James Abraham, and James McConnaughay.
A memorial service in celebration of Curt's life will be held on Saturday October 26th at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Cedar Ridge (113 Cedar Ridge Dr.) West Bend. Rev. Eric Kirkegaard of Peace U.C.C., Kewaskum, will officiate. Visitation will be in the chapel on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of service, with fellowship following the service.
Cremation will take place at Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service and burial of Curt's cremated remains will be in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Milwaukee.
Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association - Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter (620 S. 76th Street Milwaukee, WI 53214) are appreciated by the family.