Richard Lee Schwerdtfeger, age 72, of Jonesborough, Tennessee passed away on Saturday January 3, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, a son of the late Eugene Norman Schwerdtfeger and Mary Agnes O’Callahan Schwerdtfeger. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brother Dennis, & brother-in-law Greg.
Richard was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Jonesborough Presbyterian Church and enjoyed listening to The Beatles, writing Christian songs/poems, & spending time with his family & pets.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 ½ years, Ronda Schwerdtfeger; his children Wendi Brantner (Mark) & Mindi Woods (Kevin); Grandchildren Zeth Flores (Kendra), Sean Flores (Mikayla), Alyssa Flores (Alex), Ashley Brantner, Brooke Brantner, & Kaden Brantner; Great granddaughter Evelyn Flores, & another great grandbaby on the way; siblings Linda Collecod, Pat Schwerdtfeger (Jana), Laura Smuts (Gary), Louise Gibson, and several special nieces and nephews.
There will be no services scheduled as this was his wish. However, family will have a private celebration of life. His faith carried him through every season of life, & in his final days he spoke with excitement and peace about going to heaven & meeting Jesus. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he’s now healed, joyful, & reunited with loved ones for eternity.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the 4200 wing at JCMC and to Dr. Montag and Leighann for all the love and care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Jonesborough Presbyterian Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital in honor of Brooke Brantner who bravely fought leukemia twice and continues to inspire us with her strength and resilience.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Richard Lee Schwerdtfeger and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
