Harold August Schwab

BRITT - Harold August Schwab, 95, of Britt died Thursday, November 22, 2012 at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He lived 95 years, one month and 21 days. After repeated strokes, Harold became disabled and lived at Hancock County Memorial Hospital beginning in July of 2008.

Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Monday, November 26th at the Church of the Nazarene in Britt with Pastor John Paulus officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 P.M., Sunday at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Harold's love of farming with donations to the Hancock County Agriculture Museum in care of Darrell Schaper 2090 James Ave., Britt, IA 50423.

Harold was born to William Henry and Clara Josephine (Anderson) Schwab on their farm northeast of Corwith, Boone Township, Hancock County, Iowa on October 1, 1917. Harold and his older brother, Lenord, grew up on this farm settled by his grandparents, George and Emma (Sellmeyer) Schwab. George was born in St. Martin, Germany in 1849 and emigrated with his parents, Lorenz and Katherina Schwab who had been married in Edenkoben, Germany. George and Emma and his parents farmed near Peru, Illinois. George, Emma and their sons, John, William and Frank moved to Stilson, Iowa from Peru, Illinois when Will was 13 years old. Their horses, machinery, and furniture were shipped by rail and loaded off onto a tall snow bank at the Stilson depot. For a year, they rented a house nearby. Their home was built on unbroken prairie they purchased for $8.00 an acre in 1893. George and Emma lived on this farm until they retired to Britt in 1910. After teaching for several years, Clara married Will Schwab in 1910 and joined him on the Schwab homestead. Will and Clara farmed until 1942.

Harold's mother, Clara Anderson grew up north of Stilson with eight siblings. Her father, August Anderson was born near Linkoping, Sweden in Ulrika Parish. Bertha Christopher, Clara's mother, was born in Janesville, Wisconsin of Norwegian immigrants who settled in Wisconsin. They later moved to Searsboro, Poweshiek County, Iowa. Thomas and Julia Christopher raised Bertha and her siblings there. After August and Bertha married near Grinnell, the Christopher's and August, Bertha and an infant, Lena, moved to a farm north of Stilson in Hancock County.

Harold attended the Boone township country school and Corwith High School. He met Astred Pearson at the Britt skating rink. Astred graduated in the spring of 1940 from Britt High School and was hired by Rex Puffer to teach country school northwest of Britt. They married on March 14, 1941 in the Radio Chapel in Mason City, Iowa, a popular place to marry at that time. A wedding dinner was held by Astred's parents, Palmer and Ida Pearson, at their home southwest of Britt. The next morning, the newlyweds left for their honeymoon for two weeks in Chicago staying with Astred's great- aunt, Emma Carlsson. The couple lived and farmed with Will and Clara until the parents retired.

Harold loved farming and purchased and sold several farms over the years. Harold and Astred entertained and enjoyed many family get-togethers. The couple first attended the United Brethren Church in Stilson until they joined the Britt Church of the Nazarene. They were very active in the church for many years. Harold enjoyed all kinds of farm events in the community, especially auctions. Like his parents, Harold liked to travel. Harold and Astred visited friends and relatives throughout the United States and Canada. They also traveled to Europe, Russia and Israel. The couple met many nice people from their travels. They retired to Britt in 1979. Harold continued to farm for several years after retirement for as long as he was able.

Dennis and Connie Schwab took over the home place when Harold and Astred moved into Britt in 1979. Duane returned to farming on the adjoining acreage after working elsewhere. Daughters, Marlys, Joy and Darlene left the farm after high school for colleges in other locations.

He is survived by his wife, Astred, of Britt; five children: daughter, Marlys Talidis and her son, Jim, of Rockford, IL; son, Duane Schwab of Corwith; son, Dennis (Connie) Schwab of rural Britt and their two children, Brandon (Sara) Schwab and Lindsay (Nolan) Thilges; daughter, Joy Schwab of Monroe, WI; and daughter, Darlene Schwab of Madison, WI; two great-grandchildren, Carter and Colin Schwab; his only remaining cousin and good friend, Wayne Anderson who farmed near Stilson; and two nieces, Lucille (Ken) Carlson and Eleanor (Mike) Swan.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, William in 1957 and Clara in 1976; brother, Lenord; sister-in-law, Mae; and one grandchild, Stefanie Talidis.