John Frank Schweitzer

John F. Schweitzer, 96 years, passed away on June 26, 2017 at Valley VNA Assisted Living in Neenah, Wisconsin. He was born April 3, 1921 to his parents Louis and Tillie Schweitzer (Harold) in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was a graduate of Appleton High School, class of 1938. He served his country in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Barb., a submarine, from 1944-1945 in the South Pacific. On September 29, 1945 he married the love of his life Marjorie “Midge” Schweitzer (Meiers) in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was the Co-founder and President of Acme Press, Inc.

John was active in the community as a member of the Christian Family Movement (CFM), Knights of Columbus, and with St. Joseph Food Pantry. He touched many lives volunteering at Thedacare Hospice and Cherry Meadows. He was a talented stained glass artist. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, wine making and fishing. John built a gorgeous cabin and enjoyed riding his tractor and growing Shiitake mushrooms.

John will be missed by his ten children; Joel (Jane) Schweitzer, Peg Meltz, Patti (Rick) Hayes, Kris (Dave) Mader, Jim (Deb) Schweitzer, Susan (partner Joe Hotynski) Lee, Lori (Tom) Gray, Jeff (Kathy) Schweitzer, Kurt (Deb) Schweitzer, Tom (Charla) Schweitzer, 28 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Dorothy Grade, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 69 years Marjorie “Midge” Schweitzer, son Jack Schweitzer, great-granddaughter Lily Eversen, daughter-in-law Brenda Schweitzer, brother Dan Schweitzer, sisters Jane Fischer, Bernice Buzanowski, Reta Timmers, brothers-in-law Syl Fischer, Tony Buzanowski, Jerry Timmers, Earl Grade, Jack Meiers, sisters-in-law Hazel Schweitzer and Sally Meiers.

A Funeral Liturgy for John will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 W. Lawrence St., Appleton. Fr. Jim Leary O.F.M. Cap celebrant. Family and friends may gather at St. Joseph Catholic Church, from 8:30 am until time of Liturgy.

Memorials in John’s name may be made to Thedacare Hospice Foundation or St. Joseph Food Pantry.

The family of John extends a thank you to Thedacare at Home Hospice for giving him comfort in his final hours. A special thanks to the staff at Valley VNA Assisted Living for their professional and loving care that allowed him to fulfill his last mission.