James "Jim" Ray Schwan

James “Jim” R. Schwan, age 73 of the Township of Dupont, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a 9 year battle with lymphoma.

James Ray Schwan, was the youngest of six children born to the late Carl & Selma (Koepke) Schwan on September 11, 1949 in Clintonville, WI. Jim served his country in the Navy as a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was awarded the The Purple Heart Medal after he was wounded in an explosion during combat. Following an honorable discharge, he worked on the family farm and Welch Fire Equipment, before spending 30 years at Marion Milling Co., where he could always be recognized by his polka dot hat. Jim also served as chief of the Dupont volunteer fire department for a time. He met his wife, Elaine Andraschko, in April of 1970; they were later united in marriage on March 3, 1971 in Waupaca, WI. After retiring from the feed mill in 2006, Jim spent his time doing the things he enjoyed. He grew a large garden every year, kept everything on the farm in working order, and could fix just about anything. He was generous with his time; always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors fix whatever needed fixing. An interest in music led him to teach himself how to play the ukulele. Jim kept life interesting for himself and those around him. He will be remembered as a very kind man who worked hard to make sure his family was well taken care of and loved, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Elaine
Children: Corey Schwan (Kayla Kolbe), Sparta; Jill Schwan Grogan (Curt Knitt), Marion; Geoffrey Schwan (Erin Gehrman), Marion; & Kyle (Laura) Schwan, Ogdensburg
Grandchildren: Colby Schwan, Haleigh Schwan, Gracie Grogan, Collin Grogan, Paige Schwan, Quynn Boushley-Kennedy, Cannon Schwan, & Vilas Schwan 
Sisters: Barbara Dillenburg & Donna Krueger
Brothers: Charles (Carol) Schwan & Fred Schwan
He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Edwin & Annette Andraschko; sister and brother in-law, Mary (George) Salmonson; a sister-in-law, Sue Schwan; & brothers-in-law, Richard Dillenburg & James Krueger.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion, with Rev. Lois Graper officiating. Military honors will be conducted following the service by American Legion William Bertram Post #198 of Marion, WI. Inurnment will take place at Roseland Cemetery, Town of Dupont, privately at a later date. 

Visitation will take place at the church on Wednesday from 9 AM until the time of service.

The Schwan family would like to thank the kind and caring staff of ThedaCare At Home Hospice; especially Kristy Crum RN and Chaplain Stuart McCoy

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Marion is assisting the Schwan family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.