FRANK SCHWARTZ

Frank Q. Schwartz, age 88, passed away late Friday, January 2, 2015. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and was born in Wausau, WI on November 6, 1926, the second son of the late Theodore and Minnie Schwartz. Frank graduated from Wausau High School in mid-year 1943-1944. On May 12, 1944, he enlisted in the A-12 or Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and attended Ripon College. Upon being called to active duty, he served in the South Pacific Campaign that liberated the island of Luzon in the Philippine Islands. He received one battle star for his participation in this campaign with the 43rd Infantry Division. Frank also contracted a near fatal case of malaria during the Luzon campaign, which reoccurred several times in later life. When World War II ended, he landed in Yokahama with the first wave of troops to occupy Japan and there he was assigned to the 1st Calvary Division. During the first part of his occupation tour of duty, Frank traveled to Hiroshima. He also climbed Mt. Fujiyama in September 1945, shortly after arriving in Japan with a Wausau native, Jim Trumbo. Frank also met a fellow soldier, Andrew Bert, Jr., who became a life-long friend. Frank received the Army Commendation medal for meritorious services in Japan. Upon returning to the States in 1946, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He joined the Research and Developments division of Marathon Corporation in Rothschild, WI which was acquired by American Can Co. in 1955. On February 1, 1947, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Joy Wendorf, with whom he spent his entire happily married life. In 1961 he was transferred to the company R & D Division in Neenah, WI, which was later acquired by James River Corporation in 1983. Frank retired from ACC in 1983 as Senior Research Scientist. During his years at Marathon and ACC, he worked with youth as Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 10 of the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau for nearly 10 years. During his time in Neenah, he became a program leader in the Boy's Brigade and summer camp leader at Camp Onaway Island for 10 years during the 60s and 70s. During the 1950s he was an avid tent camper with the family and enjoyed biking, golfing, archery, hiking, and fishing both in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. During the 60s, 70s, and 80s, he enjoyed traveling for both pleasure and business in all sections of the country and Canada. Frank enjoyed cross-country skiing in the Rockies and hiking and camping in the Ozark Mountains and also in Canada. He especially liked biking with his close friend, Hudson Wirth, in the century rides in Wisconsin and particularly in Door County. Frank drew the plans for the five houses that he built in Wausau and Neenah. He worked with the construction crews on the five houses from the start of excavation to occupancy by Joy and Frank or in two cases by his son and daughter-in-law. He considered those projects his greatest achievements outside of his job in Research and Development, as he spent a minimum of 800 hours after work hours, holidays, and vacation time on each structure. He liked music, operas, and Broadway musicals in particular. He was a member of National TAPPI and attended national technical meetings and seminars at various cities in the U.S. where he made many friends. His wife, Joy, traveled with him to many of these meetings. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church both in Wausau and Neenah. Joy was his faithful, devoted, and loving companion for 67 years. Frank is survived by his wife, Joy; one son, Larry Frank (Barbara) Schwartz, Neenah; and one beloved and cherished grandson, Jesse Frank Schwartz, with whom he spent a great deal of time being a grandpa, or "papa," as he was affectionately known. He is also survived by two brothers: Arden (Ethel) Schwartz of Wausau and Naples, FL, and Fred (Fae) Schwartz of Buena Park, CA; a sister, Mary Luedtke of St. Joseph, MO, and the family cat, Roscoe. Frank is further survived by twelve nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; a niece, Judy Schwartz; a brother-in-law, Thomas Luedtke; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Wendorf. It was Frank's wish to be cremated. Also, it was his decision not to have any service or memorial services be performed upon his death.