Walter Elmon Schwanz

“Walter Schwanz said…” to keep this part short…all he wanted us to say was “Walt croaked.” So, there it is…we kept our promise! But, we never said we wouldn’t top that off with a few send-offs of our own! As his granddaughter so eloquently posted, Walt spent his entire life protecting and selflessly serving the lives of others, having served in the US Army during the Korean War, a time at the Waukesha School for Boys, and Wales Home for Boys in Delafield, WI and eventually through a dedicated and honorable 28-year career in law enforcement, rising through the ranks from patrolman to Deputy Chief of the Waukesha Police Department. Walter ended his watch on earth on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, age 86, passing away peacefully in his sleep with family at his side. Having battled through many challenging health issues over the years, Walt went out on his own terms, pain-free, at Angel’s Grace Hospice Center in Oconomowoc. We find great joy in believing he’s taken up the supreme post of guardian angel now, preferably with accordion in hand, within the pearly gates of His eternal home. Born February 15, 1933 to Walter H. (Sr) and Norma Jean (nee Mueller) Schwanz in Milwaukee, WI. Walter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Geraldine “Gerry” C. Schwanz (nee John), his son Daniel (Pam) Schwanz of Elcho, WI, daughters Linda (Kurt) Schmidt of Bayfield, WI and Laurie (Ron) Hanson of Kimberly, WI; grandchildren - Sam (Heather) Schmidt, Abby Schmidt (special friend Danny S.), Jessica Hanson, Zachary Hanson, Carly Schwanz and Christopher Seider, and two great grandchildren - Jordyn Schmidt and Dekker Schmidt as well as beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews and extended family. Walt was the youngest of three children and is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph (Charlotte) Sr. sister Delores (Joseph) Bohte, brother-in-law Kenneth John, and nephew Michael John along with other cherished roots and branches on his family tree. Walt’s passion for collecting and restoring antiques lauds him a legacy rivaling American Pickers’ stature, long before it was a TV show! Whether tinkering with clocks, plumb bobs and tools, or many a mechanical or wooden furnishing, or finely honing their prized Waukesha breweriana collection and his museum-worthy police paraphernalia, Walt had a gift for turning other men’s trash to true treasures. For those who knew him well, you’d know his moral compass was as biblically sound as any church-goers ever was, though he never dwelt on the Good Book itself. He had his own understanding with God Almighty he’d say, on how things should be, and made sure family, friends and community knew right from wrong. Sometimes with the best sense of humor, other times not so much, but you always knew where he stood on a matter. So as per his wishes, there’s to be ‘no fuss, nor funeral for ‘yammering’ over what’s in the past.’ Instead, if you have a particular memory or story that brings a smile to your face, please join us by lifting a glass of your preferred imbibing, thinking fondly of Walter (Wally, Walt, Waltie or other endearment you may have known him by) and in your best German accent, perhaps with a polka playing in the background, say a toast in his honor for a job well-done! “To Walter Schwanz, Prost! Thank you good Sir!”- while this doesn’t cover your generosity by any means, it will do for now…see you in due time…your loving family and friends. Please feel free to share your stories for the family and others to reminisce with you by signing the Guest Book on this site (https://www.cremationsocietyofwaukesha.com/obituary/Walter-Elmon-Schwanz/Waukesha-Wisconsin/1853242#obit-memories). Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers, but mostly for being a part of Walter’s life!