James Schwalbach Sr., 79 of Elderon, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 16, 2017 in Elderon as the result of a tractor accident.
He was born on October 8, 1937 in Elderon, the son of the late Alphonse and Margaret (Hitz) Schwalbach. On December 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Doris Anna Marie Torre. She preceded him in death on October 25, 1985. He then married Mary Ann (Pinter) Hickman on May 13, 1989. She survives.
James was a 1955 graduate of Wittenberg High School. He served honorably in the US Army 25th Div. 69 Armor from 1961 to 1964 obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was a life member of the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Returning from military service he worked for Badger Freightways and later Roadway Express, Wausau, retiring in 1995 with 37 years driving. He then worked for Elderon Truck Parts for 16 years until retiring a second time. During his retirement he started a new business (WI Binderman) restoring and building old International Trucks with a very fine collection from 1912-1960. He also helped out other hobbist with parts. He was a snowmobile safety instructor (the first in the area) for 30+ years. Serving as club president for the Elderon Snow Angels he helped the club establish some of the early trails. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Elderon, serving as church secretary for 41 years and then church counsel president from 2011 to present. James served as village president for 41 years always trying to find ways to improve the village in many ways. Often times if a grant or funds were not available he would pay what it took to make a project work.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Schwalbach; three sons Jim (Kristy) Schwalbach of Marshfield, Kurt Hickman of Elderon and Craig (Kristi) Schopf of Minneapolis, MN; three daughters Vicky (Gary) Porath of Wausau, Lisa Kirker of Dorchester and Tammy (Bob) Star of Madison; one brother Donald (Mary) Schwalbach of Elderon; two sisters Arlene (Ralph) Romans of Milwaukee and Betty Szalewski of Menominee Falls; 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers Alphonse Jr and Eugene Schwalbach and one sister Janie Jankowski.
The Funeral service will be held at 11AM on Thursday September 21, 2017 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Elderon. Rev. Harvey Abrahamson will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon with military rites conducted by the V.F.W. Visitation will be from 4PM to 8PM on Wednesday at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg and again on Thursday from 10AM until the time of service at the church.
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