William Christopher 'Bill' Schwab

William Christopher "Bill" Schwab, 98, of Custar, passed away Monday morning, Feb. 21, 2022, at Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green. Bill was born Sept. 2, 1923, in Deshler, to Frank and Mary "Mayme" (Hentges) Schwab. Bill graduated from Milton Township High School and attended Davis Business College, Toledo. In 1943, Bill enlisted in U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II. He attended Navy Electrical School and was then stationed on USS Eichenberger, a U.S. Navy destroyer escort. He spent 18 months in the Pacific Ocean and was honorably discharged in April 1946. Bill returned home and married Lois Rossow June 15, 1946, in Bowling Green. They have shared a marriage of over 75 years and served as a beautiful example of married life and companionship. Bill was a self-employed farmer and electrician. Returning from the Navy, he farmed with his father. As his family grew, he entered into partnership with his friend, Jim Wensink in the former Custar Hardware. He eventually would own and operate his own business, Schwab Electric, providing service to his neighbors and community in the greater Custar area. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar, Norcross-Meyers American Legion Post #305, Custar, and a former member and president of Patrick Henry Local School Board and Deshler Camera Club. In 1951, Bill and Lois began going to northern Michigan and they became permanent residents in 1981. They made Hiawatha Sportsman's Club in the Upper Peninsula their home and as a resident, he was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Naubinway, Michigan, and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post, Engadine, and a past president and member of the board of directors for the Hiawatha Sportsman's Club, Engadine. Over the years, the Club became a second home to the Schwab family. They became owners of property and have endless family memories. Bill is survived by his lifetime companion and devoted wife, Lois; six children, Steven Schwab, Robert (Marcia) Schwab, Dennis (Mary) Schwab, Paul (Lynn) Schwab, Barbara (Jerry) Clink, and Ellen (Scott) Boyer; 17 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Samuel Aiden; and six siblings, Helen Maas, Dolores Hayes, Howard Schwab, Annabelle Schwab, Mary Jane Wilhelm, and James Schwab. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar, with Fr. Jeff Walker officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the church. The family suggests memorials to St. Louis Catholic Church or St. Stephen Catholic Church. Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com