Victor Frederick Schweer

Victor Frederick Schweer WEST LIBERTY, Iowa--Victor Frederick Schweer, 88, died on Sunday, October 7, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Iowa City. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2012, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 116 E. Maxson Avenue in West Liberty. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at the church. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Victor was born on September 2, 1924, in rural Tripoli, the son of Henry and Viola Klemp Schweer. He attended country school through 8th grade and graduate in 1943 from Tripoli High School. At 18 years of age he received his "Greetings" letter from "Uncle Sam" and was drafted into service. After basic training he was sent over-seas and landed in Ipswich, England on Christmas Eve in 1943. He flew 35 missions over Germany and 5 food missions of Holland. Victor was a tail-gunner on a B-17 Bomber with the rand of Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corp. He returned to the states in 1945 and was discharged in San Antonio, Texas. He settled in Denver, Iowa, and was employed by the former Rath Pack...[more]

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Company for 21 years in charge of the poultry and frozen food division. In 1967, he moved to West Liberty and was employed by the former Louis Rich Foods as marketing manager for 15 years. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States. During this time he met the former Bette Tracy, secretary at Louis Rich Foods and they were married on July 12, 1969, by Pastor Edward P. Nelson of Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Island, Illinois. On June 29, 1973, Bette and Victor purchased the local jewelry store and Schweer's Jewelry and Gift store was born. They owned and operated this business for 25 years; many people in West Liberty and surrounding towns will always remember this successful endeavor. Victor was always a part of the community and served on many boards and committees. He was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church serving as President of the congregation for many years. He was a member of the West Liberty County Club and past president, served on the board of the Heritage Foundation; member of the Chamber of Commerce and past president; member of the American Legion for over 60 years; served on various committees for the City of West Liberty; Victor was an active member of the Rotary Club of West Liberty an served many years as their secretary/treasurer. He always volunteered as "worker" for all Rotary activities and was a Paul Harris member. He was an avid wood-worker and had a little shop where he spent many hours enjoying this hobby. He made lovely gifts of wood, not only for himself but for family and friends. Of course time was always set aside for GOLF, Victor loved golf! Victor loved being a "DAD" and it was also a special joy being a "grandpa"! Bette and Victor sold their jewelry store in 1997 thinking of retiring but as a jeweler he was needed as he was a watch and clock repairman. He opened a repair shop at Jan's Flower Yard and retirement was forgotten. Victor will always be remembered as "Mr. Fix-it" here in West Liberty and we will always remember is favorite outfit, "Bib Overalls". He is survived by his wife, Bette Schweer of West Liberty; a son, Jeffrey Tracy and wife, Deanna, of Grand Blanc, Michigan; two daughters, Sandra Townsend and husband, Steve, of Davenport, and Sue Lott of Addison, Illinois; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and great-grandparents.