James “Jim” Schwerzler, 91, passed away December 11, 2014 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday December 16 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Des Moines with burial at Reshaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Visitation will be for 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a Rosary at 7 p.m.
Jim was born June 12, 1923 to Francis and Kathryn (Schumacher) Schwerzler in Comfrey, MN. Following graduation Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 and after his honorable discharge he returned to the Comfrey area and married his high school sweetheart, La June Ruth Schonrock on January 7, 1946 in Springfield, MN. The couple moved to Iowa and four children were born to this union, Barbara, Sharon, Robert and Pamela.
In 1950, Jim opened Valley Hardware in the Valley Junction area of West Des Moines which he owned and operated until 1978. After selling the store he sold hardware and paint supplies until his retirement in 1988. In retirement he enjoyed woodworking and playing Santa Claus in the Des Moines area for many years. Jim was also commander of Bellizzi Macrae American Legion Post 659 and a very active member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
“PoPo” as he is known by his eight grandchildren, Scott (Mitzi), Jeff (Jess), Sarah (Jose), David (Jess), Lori (Dave), Christopher (Myriah), Kaylyn and Alexandria; and 13 great-grandchildren, Jakob, Luke, Frank, Madison, Max, Mason, Mateo, Brayden, Sailor Grace, Bodhi, Cash William, Cooper and Colten is also survived by his daughter, Sharon Nevitt; son, Robert (Jo); and daughter, Pamela (Rick) Weller. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter, Barbara; four brothers; two sisters; and granddog, Max.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bellizzi Macrae American Legion Post 659 or Christ the King Catholic Church.
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