Guenther Leopold Schwartz

1940 - 2018

Guenther Leopold Schwartz obituary, 1940-2018, Blair, NE

BORN

1940

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home

5701 CENTER ST

Omaha, Nebraska

Guenther Schwartz Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 12, 2018.

Guenther Leopold Schwartz died early Thursday, Jan. 11, at CHI Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, NE. He was cremated and was laid to rest in Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery.

Guenther Leopold Schwartz was born Guenther Leopold Czarnik in Lodz, Poland on March 11, 1940 to Leopold August and Klara Ida Czarnik. When Hitler overran Poland he changed the German residents' last names to German names and thus the family's last name became Schwartz instead of Czarnik, both of which mean black. Hilter also moved the family out of Poland, planning to settle them in what is now the Czech Republic, but the allies bombed the railways and they ended up in Rohrbach, Austria. The family was sponsored by a cousin and her husband and moved to Omaha, NE in 1956. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith in Europe and completed his education in Austria though he took some computer classes at Omaha University before deciding to not complete his education because he would then be stuck inside a windowless room.

Guenther went to work delivering lumber for Builder's Supply after his arrival and also sold magazines around the country for a short period of time, but found his calling in the carpentry business, becoming a union master carpenter until his retirement. He also had his own construction business with a friend for a short period of time, but ultimately worked for a variety of construction companies who concentrated on commercial construction. Even after retirement he kept busy with creating a variety of craft items which he gave to numerous people. He loved decorating for Halloween and Christmas in his later years. He married Kathryn Ann Cox on March 4, 1962 in Omaha and they had two children. They lived in the Benson area of Omaha until they moved to Washington County in 1972. On May 1, 1962, he became a naturalized citizen after five years of study and was always proud to be a U.S. citizen. He was extremely proud of his children, Elizabeth and Christopher and continuously supported his wife in her career choices. He enjoyed camping and waterskiing for many years, but carpentry was his hobby as well as his work though he enjoyed taking photographs of barns and his trips when he was on the road for work. People who knew him remember his smile, sense of humour and kindness toward all.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; a daughter, Elizabeth Shanti Schwartz, Omaha; a son, Christopher Paul Schwartz, Lake Charles, La.; three sisters, Marita Albers, Columbus; Helga Kaethe (Tom) Hopkins, Glendale, Mo.; Anne (Ernst) Grödl, Haslach, Austria; two brothers, Hans (Ellen) Schwartz; and Deiter Erich (Sue) Schwartz, Manhattan, Kan.; a brother-in law, Curtis Wayne (Vicki) Cox, Lorton, Va.; 19 nieces, nephews and step-nieces and nephews; and their children; and a host of other cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leopold and Klara Schwartz.

There were no services. People are asked to give to the charity of their choice; keep him alive in their hearts and laugh with him.

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Guenther Schwartz

Sponsored by Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of Guenther?

Share a favorite memory you have of Guenther.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Guenther.

Describe a time when Guenther made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Guenther?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Guenther.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Guenther.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Guenther.

What is something you learned from Guenther?

Not sure what to say?

0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Guenther Schwartz's name

Memorial Events
for Guenther Schwartz

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home

5701 CENTER ST, Omaha, NE 68106

How to support Guenther's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Guenther Schwartz's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more