John Clifford Schweitzer

John Clifford Schweitzer was born June 29, 1918 on the family farm in Fremont Township north of Winthrop, Iowa the son of William and Elizabeth Lucinda Sickles Schweitzer. He attended the local country school and Aurora High School where he graduated with the class of 1936.

He married Rita Gaffney on December 27, 1943 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Winthrop. To this union were born three children: Gary, Geraldine, and Joyce. They farmed between Winthrop and Aurora until retiring in 1980. In 1960 they moved to Cedar Rapids. While at Winthrop they were members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and in Cedar Rapids were charter members of Pius X Catholic Church.

John was known for his quick wit, gentle spirit and ready smile. He enjoyed dancing with Rita in their younger years and always enjoyed having his children and grandchildren near him.

John entered into his eternal rest on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at his home in Cedar Rapids with his family at his side. He was 91 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Dale and Bill Schweitzer.

Survivors include
his wife Rita of Cedar Rapids; his son Gary (Mary) Schweitzer of Winthrop; his two daughters: Geraldine (Paul) Hasley of Cedar Rapids and Joyce (Robert) Weger of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren: Mark Schweitzer, Lisa (Andy) Schwietzer Miller, John (Jennifer) Weger, Heather (Jared) Morris, Joe (Katie) Hasley, and Elizabeth (Corey) Rubin; six great grandchildren: Tyler and Robert Weger, David and Charlie and Abby Rubin, and Bridget Hasley; two brothers: Glen Schweitzer of Winthrop and Robert Schweitzer of Joplin, MO; two sisters: Dorothy Gilson of Winthrop and Betty (John) Baker of Winthrop; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Winthrop with Father Donald J. Plamondon officiating. Music provided by Karen Kremer and St. Patrick's Choir. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery at Winthrop.
Friends may call from 3 PM until 7 PM Monday, January 18, 2010 at Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop.A scripture service will be held at 7 PM.

To send a message to the family go to www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.