William W. Schwarz

William Werner Schwarz, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 1, 2026. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at McLaren’s with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery.

He was born on November 26, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa and proudly grew up in the Beaverdale area. William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Gloria Jean Schwarz. Together, William and Gloria built a life filled with family, love, laughter, and adventure. William graduated from Drake law school. William dedicated 39 years of his life to practicing law as a trial attorney, specializing in workers’ compensation. He was a partner at Davis, Hockenberg, Wine, Brown law firm in Des Moines, Iowa, before his decision to go out on his own establishing his own law firm. William was respected for his dedication to his clients and his commitment to his profession. After 39 years of practicing law, he enjoyed eight years of retirement. William loved to take family vacations every summer to many National Parks and historical sites throughout the Midwest and western part of the United States.

Outside of his career, William found great joy in traveling with Gloria. The two traveled extensively and shared countless adventures together. One of William’s proudest accomplishments was making sure that he and Gloria visited all seven wonders of the world. It was a journey he was incredibly proud to have completed with his beloved wife. William was also an avid racquetball player and always had a passion for woodworking. His talent and love for woodworking became a special way for him to show his love for his family. He crafted several beautiful pieces of furniture for their home, built a poker table for his son Chris, and made rocking horses for his grandchildren, Kylie and Jordan. These pieces will remain treasured reminders of his creativity, patience, and love.

Above all, William was a dedicated and loving father. When his children, Teri and Chris, were young, he was always there to support them. William was a coach for Chris’s little league baseball teams throughout Chris’ childhood. William was proud to say they won several league championships and never missed a baseball game or one of Teri’s softball games. He proudly attended Chris’s football and baseball games and wrestling meets, always making sure his children knew that he was there for them. His presence and unwavering support created memories that his family will carry with them forever.

William is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Gloria Jean Schwarz; daughter, Teri Schwarz (Mauricio) Mendoza; son, Chris Schwarz; grandchildren, Kylie (Jake) Schueler, Jordan Foreman and Dakota Clayton; and his great-grandchildren, Eleanor Schueler and Colter Clayton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victorine Cushman and Werner Schwarz; brothers, Tom Schwarz, John Schwarz, and Mike Schwarz; and sister, Nancy Seals.

William leaves behind a lifetime of accomplishments, adventures, craftsmanship, and most importantly, a family who loved him deeply. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the memories he created, the places he traveled, the things he built with his own hands, and the countless lives he touched throughout his 77 years. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.