Jeanette Schwartzkopf

Jeanette “Jan” Schweser Schwartzkopf passed away on May 6, 2016 at the age of 86 in Atascadero, CA. She was born on February 28, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska to Carl and Blanche Schweser. Jan spoke fondly of her years growing up in the “Big House”, the Schweser home in David City, Nebraska. In the big wrap-around sleeping porch, she loved to watch Nebraska thunderstorms, dance to jazz music, and read books. Music was a passion for Jan, beginning with drum lessons, piano lessons, marching with the David City High School band, and singing in numerous choirs. Jan graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1951 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Music Education. She taught music for two years in Lexington, Nebraska before moving to California to teach in Bellflower. She married George Schwartzkopf in 1955 and settled in La Mirada, California, where their 4 children were born. In 1963, they moved to Placentia, California where they sang in the choir at Placentia Presbyterian Church. Jan resumed teaching elementary music when her children were school-age in the Placentia-Yorba Linda School District. Jan loved family times, whether it was playing games, watching TV shows or making everyone pull out their band instrument for an impromptu concert. Summers were spent driving across country in the family station wagon to visit relatives and see historic sites. She liked to sew, knit, read, do crossword puzzles, listen to jazz music, and play bridge. She loved her years announcing the student musical groups who performed for Music in the Parks at her church Jan is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, George Schwartzkopf. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Collins (Steve), sons Bob Schwartzkopf, Barry Schwartzkopf (Sandy), and Tom Schwartzkopf, granddaughters Sandy Spahr (Jacob), Christy Collins, Amy Miller (Alan), Jessica Schwartzkopf, Hannah Schwartzkopf, and grandson, Christopher Larson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Placentia Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts of remembrance may be given in her name to Placentia Presbyterian Church, 849 North Bradford Ave., Placentia, CA 92870.