Francis Schwartz

Francis W. Schwartz, 80, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at The Medical Center of Aurora. Services will be held Friday, December 7th at 2:00 pm with a viewing at 1:00 pm at Olinger Hampden & Eastlawn Cemetery & Mortuary.

Francis was born November 28, 1932 in Stromsburg, Nebraska to William and Evelyn Schwartz. He attended and graduated from Stromsburg High School where he played the sousaphone in the high school band. He returned to Stromsburg High School each May for the class reunions for many years.

During the Korean War, Francis enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. After leaving the Army, he took on a delivery job where he met his wife, Marilyn Jensen, who worked in the local drug stores he delivered to in Colorado Springs. He was set to move to Kansas where he planned to continue his education. They decided Marilyn would join him in his move to Kansas, and were married on August 27, 1955. Their first child Melodee was born in April 1957, their son Greg was born in June 1960.

Together they eventually settled in Aurora, where Francis worked for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier and then a supervisor. After 33 years with the post office, he retired, at which time he started working for Hospital Shared Services, where he made deliveries to hospitals and doctor offices. It was a perfect job because he was able to meet and chat with people at the different places he went to everyday. Visiting with people was one of his favorite things in life, he would talk to anyone, any time, about just about anything, he never met a stranger.

He bowled for many years with his wife, Marilyn, then continued bowling with his son, Greg. He also was an avid Broncos fan, being a season ticket holder for more than 20 years, game day was a an all day adventure he shared with Greg. Until the last few years, he didn't miss any games.

Through his mother-in-law, Mary Jensen, he and Marilyn became involved with the Elmohr Iris Society in Colorado Springs. They grew many varieties of iris in their yard.

Francis loved attending events his grandchildren participated in during their school years. He saw many band concerts, ice skating competitions and ice shows, swim meets, cross country meets,soccer games, FFA events and baseball games.

Francis suffered for many years with emphysema and COPD, but he never complained, he always cared more for others around him. His wife's one complaint about him was that he never told her when he felt sick.

Francis is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 57 years; daughter Melodee and her husband Bob Cartin of Oceanside, CA, son Greg and his wife Kelle, of Aurora, CO. Four grandchildren, Bryan and Jordan, of Aurora, CO and Mackenzie and Griffin, of Oceanside, CA.

His family and friends remember him as a very kind and giving man, a loving and devoted husband, a father that was always there for his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rodney Schwartz.