John "Jack" Henry Schwartz was called to final rest on Friday, April 28, 2017 Visitation: 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2017, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Marion, conducted by Reverend Gregory Williamson. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran-Buena Vista Cemetery, Grand Mound.

Jack was born on a farm near Buena Vista, Iowa, on October 9, 1920, to Ida (Mueller) and Chuck Schwartz. It was there that Jack and his siblings acquired the practical insights of a farmer growing up in the Great Depression.

Jack had five siblings who all were best friends for life, Eleanor and husband Harold Schuett, Jack, Bob and wife Betty, Ray and wife Dorothy, Joyce and husband Ray Hudlick, and Judy with her husband Jerry Mumm. He was baptized, confirmed, and a committed follower of Jesus. Jack g...[more]

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uated from Calamus High School and soon found himself in the United States Army Air Corps engaged flying supplies around Indo-China in the Pacific theater of World War II. Jack entered military service September 22, 1942, and was honorably discharged October 21, 1945. He was in the 322nd Troop Carrier Squadron of the 14th Army Air Force. He earned the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Good Conduct Ribbon, and Asian Theater - China/Burma/India Ribbon Flying Tiger Patch.

Upon returning stateside, he immediately made his way to San Diego where the love of his life, a beautiful brunette and high school classmate was serving her country as a WAVE. There he married Dorothy Jeanne Meints on May 1, 1945. Two sons, Craig and Kent, were products of their union. Their marriage was blessed with the joys and fulfillment derived from family and so many friends & neighbors who are so integral to farm life in rural Iowa. Jack and Dorothy operated a crop and livestock farm near Coggon until 1957, and then moved to West Prairie Farm north of Alburnett until their retirement move to Marion in 1987. Jack enjoyed singing and was a member of the Harmony Hawks for over 20 years. After retirement, he spent time doing some traveling, fishing, golfing and helping others. Gardening (especially raising raspberries - his email name is rasberryjack!) continued through 2016. Jack and Dorothy enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Dorothy passed in 2006.

After the loss of Dorothy, Jack was blessed with a second union with Donna Moyer, a wonderful woman, recent widow and long-time family friend. They enjoyed nearly 10 years together, supporting others while having fun and modeling Godly lives.

Jack is best remembered for his humble service to others. He could fix about anything good enough to get going again and was helpful to those less fortunate. His life blessed many relatives and friends from all over eastern Iowa and parts beyond. He gave of himself to the community through involvement in Cattlemen's Association, 4-H, Extension Service, Farm Bureau and Alburnett School Board. He was a steadfast member of the Lutheran Church and kept God at the center of his life. He attended 96 consecutive Easter Sunday services, and made a valiant attempt to make it 97 just weeks ago. Many will remember Jack as a model of Christian faith and Christian life, as well as for his work ethic, practical mind, optimistic spirit and his sense of humor.

Memorials may be directed to the family in Jack's memory.