Donald Henry Schwanz, age 81 years, of Portage passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, March 23, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer at his residence.  He was born on April 19, 1932 in the Town of Caledonia to Bernard and Hazel (Konkel) Schwanz. Donald was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Ellen Griffin of Big Springs on January 19, 1952 in Portage; she preceded him in death on July 5, 2012.   He grew up in the Town of Lewiston walking to 1 ½ miles to school.  Don also worked on various farms and at the age of 17 years along with his two brothers got spinal meningitis when he met his future wife, Mary.  Don proudly served in the Wisconsin National Guard, 128th battalion Co. F infantry out of Portage from 1949 until 1959.  Later he started to work for C. J. Burst which later became Armour Cheese in Portage.  They moved to Bensenville, IL in 1959 where they raised their four children.  Don was very active in the BBAA and the Bensenville School Board. After retiring as a co-founder of Mid Central Food Sales they returned to Portage and continued to be active in fundraising and hosted several events to raise funds for the Special Olympics, faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a very active member of the Gideon's International.   Don and Mary enjoyed their fishing trips and were blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to many foreign countries and throughout the United States during their 60 years of marriage. Survivors include his daughters, Donna (Scott) Jones and Dana (Randy) Schwanz-Vesely of Wisconsin Dells; Diana (Tim) Shebel of Portage, grandchildren, Christopher Jones, Scott (Tanya) Jones, Nicholas (Tracie) Jones, Randy Vesely, Casey Schwanz, Matt Vesely and Megan Vesely, nine great-grandchildren, Landon, Bailey, Lilliana, Easton, Scottie, Chase, Hannah, Trenton and Lexa, brothers, Kenneth (Mary) Schwanz of Portage and Bernard (Marlene) Schwanz of Florida, sister, Elizabeth Carrington of Portage and many other relatives and friends.  Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his son Donald H. Schwanz, Jr, parents, 2 sisters, Mary Ann Warren and Patsy Schwanz. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, Portage with Rev. Alan Boeck officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Portage.  Friends may call at St. John's Lutheran Church, Portage on Thursday from 4 - 7 PM and at on Friday from 10 AM until 11 AM also at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or the Gideon's International. Service Details. Visitation

St. John's Lutheran Church

850 Armstrong St.

Portage, WI

Thursday, March 27, 2014 4 - 7 PM

Map to Visitation Place Service

St. John's Lutheran Church

850 Armstrong St.

Portage, WI

Friday, March 28, 2014 11:00 AM Map to Service Place

Interment

Oak Grove Cemetery Portage, WI

Memorial Contributions Memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church or Gideon's International.