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July 6, 1930-Aug. 6, 2024

 

Thomas Charles Schweinzger, 94, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2024, at The Fountains of Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was born on July 5, 1930, in Niles, Michigan, to Walter Lewis and Dorothy Rachel (Baker) Schweinzger. Thomas married Barbara Ellen Rice on Dec.27, 1953 — they were married for 68 years prior to Barbara’s passing in December 2022.
Tom attended Niles High School and then enlisted in the US Army in 1948 where he was stationed at Camp Hood (then called Fort Hood and now Fort Cavazos) in Texas and rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. Tom attended Michigan Technological University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Tom spent most of his career as part of the senior management team at Garden City Fan Company, in his hometown of Niles, Michigan. His engineering degree came in handy as he had a clear understanding of the inner workings of the industrial fans he sold, which helped him explain the products to his customers around the globe. He was well-liked by everyone at the company, taking the time to get to know the factory workers and would visit the production facility floor on a regular basis. Tom was a member of the Niles Elks Club, and played in local golf, bowling and volleyball leagues.
Tom designed and built his retirement home on Big Fish Lake in Marcellus, Michigan. He continued to play in golf leagues, participate in fundraising activities that benefitted the local volunteer fire department and spent lots of time on his tractor, and had the most manicured lawn on the lake. Tom and Barbara created so many happy memories with their friends and family, especially during long days on the pontoon boat and when they would throw their legendary Fourth of July party, which was a highlight of the summer.
One rarely encountered Tom without his constant, patented smile and hearty laugh. He was so happy and friendly; enjoyed telling jokes, singing jingles, and doing magic tricks. Tom could fix anything and was always readily available to offer his help whenever someone needed it, no matter how big or small the project. He couldn’t toast a slice of bread but made a mean batch of mashed potatoes. Tom was a voracious reader and enjoyed either war or western novels and did not deviate – he read every Louis L’Amour book ever published several times.
Tom was especially proud of his family and never failed to show his love for them. Through the years, he would travel great distances to spend time and support his son and grandsons in their activities. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. While Tom will be deeply missed, his memory will be eternal through his son Gregory (Jacqueline); grandchildren Chad (Morgan), Matthew (Andrea), John, Dane & Mason; great grandchildren Jack, Liam, Claire and Kate; and friends and family.
There are no plans for a service. The family will hold a private celebration of life for Tom at a later date.