Donald Dave Schwemmer

Donald David Schwemmer, Sr., passed away in his 99th year, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in his home surrounded by his three loving children. Don was born November 4, 1926, on the family farm in rural Lucas, Kansas, as the only son to his German-Russian immigrant parents, David A. and Anna E. Galliart Schwemmer.

Daily farming chores and working on cars, motorcycles, and farm equipment filled his childhood in the central Kansas town of Lucas. The depression and the dust bowl significantly changed him, his family, and the town. At age 18, he joined the Army in February of 1945 during WWII, serving as a clerk and mechanic mainly in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1946 having achieved the rank of corporal in the Army Air Corps.

After the war, he settled in Denver where he met the love of his life, Edith Joanne Wilcher. After their marriage on June 2, 1951, they were quite surprised with twin daughters, Kathie and Karen in March of 1952, followed by a son, Don, Jr., in 1953.

Don began his career in Denver as a welder and worked on several local construction projects. He became an outstanding certified master welder and was called upon many times throughout his career to perform difficult, critical welds and brazes. Just before his marriage, Don accepted a position as a heavy-duty mechanic at Lowry AFB supporting the large firefighting, construction, and snow removal vehicles used there. To best support his family, he sacrificed by always working at least one other part-time job, such as a mechanic at the Penn Garage in Denver and a maintenance man at headquarters of JHB.

Don is well-known for his unmatched mechanical and electrical talents as well as the decades of loving and selfless service to so many with car, appliance, and welding repairs. He was the humble “fix-it” man, who never hesitated to tackle anything and always succeeded well into his 90s.

Following his “early” retirement after 32 years at Lowry, he lovingly became the full-time caregiver for his wife as she contended with dialysis and the many complications of advanced diabetes. She passed away in February 1998; and, although truly heartbroken, he focused his attention and talents on helping his children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, church members, and many others.

Throughout his life, he was an example of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He befriended so many with his quiet manner, mesmerizing eyes, dry humor, sincere compassion, and desire to just help anyone, anytime, anywhere. His family was always at the center of his life; and he was a very beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Don was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Edith; his granddaughter, Melissa; grandson, Dustin; and sisters, Lea and Laura. He is survived by his sister, Marlene; his children, Kathie, Karen, and Don, Jr.; 7 grandchildren: Heather, Bekki, Preston, Tommy, Sarah, Brian, and Christina; along with 16 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service is at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, 1991 S. Oneida St. Denver, CO 80224 with the Viewing at 10 am; Service at 11 am, Reception as 12:15 pm, and Committal Service with military honors at 2pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to a memorial at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church is requested.