Irvin Schwarz

Irvin Edward Schwarz, 76, of Colby, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was born August 18, 1938 to Alexander and Theresa (Wessel) Schwarz on the farm northeast of Angelus in Sheridan County. He was united in marriage to Carol Kleinsorge on August 4, 1964 at Sacred Heart Church in Selden. To this union two children were born, Loretta and Jerome. Irvin and Carol had just celebrated the milestone of 50 years of marriage in August. He lived and farmed on the Wessel homestead until 1967 and then moved to Colby. From 1967 – 2002 he worked for the City of Colby in the Public Works Department marking 35 years of service. Upon retirement from the City of Colby he then worked until 2010 at the NWKS Regional Recycling Center in Colby as Supervisor and working the many tasks there at the center as well as traveling to outlying communities to collect their recycling as well. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby and a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Council # 2647 of Colby. He helped each year in October with the K of C Annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Irvin was an active volunteer for the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival held each year in Colby. Irvin was a hard worker. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, gardening and flowers. He will be remembered for his love for his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He really enjoyed family gatherings with his brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alexander “Al” and Herman Schwarz; three sisters, Loretta Bollig, Janis Schieferecke and Dorothy Sierra.

He is survived by his wife Carol Schwarz of the home; daughter, Loretta (Frank) Bremer of Russell; son, Jerome (Wendy) Schwarz of Oakley; six grandchildren, Jason Schwarz of Colby; Jeff Schwarz of Colby; Amber Troyer of Kansas City, KS; Ryan (Evvie) Schwarz of Colby; Ethan Schwarz of Oakley and Kaylee Schwarz of Oakley; two great grandchildren, Landon Ritter of Colby and Nakyah Schwarz of Colby; four sisters, Mary Ann Juenemann, of Selden; Sister Rita Schwarz, ASC, of Wichita; Arvilla (Jerry) Juenemann of Selden and Phyllis Norton of Manhattan. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends.

Mr. Schwarz chose cremation. Visitation will be Monday, December 29, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive to help fund a motorized wheelchair for someone with Intellectual Disabilities or Sacred Heart Church in Colby in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com