William J. "Bill" Schwab, age 80, of Random Lake, died Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Cedar Community in West Bend, surrounded by his family.
Bill was born on June 4, 1930, in Milwaukee to the late Leroy and Marie (nee Schroeder) Schwab. Bill attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Bay View High School. He then served his apprenticeship as a photo engraver.
On November 5, 1949, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rosemary O'Brien in Mauston, WI. Together they enjoyed 61 years of marriage and had nine children. Bill worked for the Milwaukee Journal as a Photo Engraver, retiring in 1976.
Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Tomahawk and the West Bend Stamp Club. He was a former member of the Batavia Fire Dept. Bill played drums in a polka band and enjoyed drawing and painting. He also enjoyed model railroading along with building model airplanes. Bill had a great wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a source of support to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife; Rosemary; nine children, Denise (Dave) Murre of Kewaskum, Mary Depies of Sheboygan, Billy Schwab of Sheboygan, Dan (Debbie) Schwab of Random Lake, Rich (Jenny) Schwab of Random Lake, Roy (Lori) Schwab of Plymouth, Patrick Schwab of Random Lake, Fran (Jesse) Verbanac of Random Lake, and Mike Schwab of Random Lake; 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Riedl of Milwaukee; two brothers, Robert (Eileen) Schwab of Arizona and James (Kay) Schwab of California; three sisters-in-law, Edna Buretta of Milwaukee, Catherine Murray of Mauston and Judith Shelbley of Dalton; other relatives and friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two grandsons, 1 great-grandson and 1 great-granddaughter.
A memorial Mass in remembrance of Bill will be held on Tuesday, March 1st at 6:00 pm at Our Lady of the Lakes, St. Mary's Chapel 306 Butler Street, Random Lake. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4:00 pm until the time of the Mass. Inurnment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Random Lake.
Memorials to Cedar Community's Specialized Alzheimer Unit are appreciated by the family.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Cedar Community in West Bend, especially the Sunrise Cove staff for their compassionate and loving care of dad. You have become part of our extended family.