Theodore “Ted” W. Schwenker, age 86, of Hayward, WI, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Water’s Edge Senior Living Center.

Ted was born August 9, 1935 in Burlington, IA son of the late Norman Schwenker and Florence (Max) Schwenker.

He graduated from Burlington High School in 1954 where he participated in track, football and baseball. In 1955 Ted enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (USAF). On April 19, 1958 he was united in marriage to Charlotte (Cline) Schwenker. They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2013.

While in the USAF Ted was stationed at Iwo Jima AFB. He was a trained weather observer and a quality supervisor providing weather reports to pilots. Stateside he continued as a weather observer stationed in Mobile, AL. Airman 1st Class Schwenker was honorably discharged on November 30, 1958. He used his G.I. Bill to enroll in U of M - St. Paul Forestry-Building Materials undergraduate studies.

Following graduation Ted worked in the construction industry until he began with New York Life Insurance Company as a licensed agent in early 1970’s. He remained with NYL even after his retirement as an active licensed agent.

Volunteering brought Ted a continued sense of purpose when Hayward became his permanent residence in 1996. He enjoyed working with American Legion, United Methodist Church, Couderay Waters, Fishing Has No Boundaries, American Birkebeiner, Lumberjack World Championship and Ruby’s Pantry.

He is survived by his four children Timothy (Emily) Schwenker, West Lakeland, MN; Sally Schwenker, Buckeye, AZ; Jane (Timothy) Eilts, Cottage Grove, MN; Molly (Matthew) Krueger, Green Bay, WI; his four grandchildren Brittany (Alec) Gulbranson, Danielle, Caleb, Brandon and his great-grandchild Liam.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ted was preceded in death by his two-year-old brother Richard Schwenker who died before Ted was born.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ted’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2022 at Hayward United Methodist Church in Hayward, WI. Rev. J. Samuel Subramanian will officiate with music provided by Jan Erickson and Ken Frame. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be held at a later date at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, IA.

The church requires and the family requests face masks be worn by all attending.

Per Ted’s request, memorials may be directed to Hayward United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank his many medical care providers and members of the Hayward community that helped him every day as he went “out and about”.

Last Update: Jan 13, 2022 7:04 am CST