Willis Wayne Schwisow Obituary (1932

In Loving Memory -- A Celebration of LifeWillis Wayne Schwisow Willis Wayne Schwisow, age 72, of Friend, Nebraska, passed away after a short illness at the Omaha Veterans Memorial Hospital. Willis was born on November 18th, 1932, to William (Bill) and Dora (Bartels) Schwisow. Willis was the first of five children blessed to that marriage. Willis grew up on a farm near Western, he attended District #19 Country School until the end of eighth grade. He graduated from Western High School in 1950. In 1953, Willis joined the Army, proudly serving his country stateside at Ft. Polk and Ft. Riley. He was Honorably Discharged in 1955, establishing himself as a veteran of the Korean War. Willis then returned to the Western & Daykin area where he helped on the family farm and worked a variety of jobs. Willis loved being out on the farm, and enjoyed the field and barn work. Willis met and married Rosalie E. Jeffreys on December 28th, 1959. Life changed for Willis and Rosie after the birth of their three children: Phyllis, Susan and Rick. The family settled in Friend the summer of 1980, making their family home at 702 Maple Street. Willis worked for the Saline County Department of Roads for twenty-four years and served as a part-time Police Officer for twelve years, from 1981 until 1993. Willis retired from the County reluctantly in 2003, and fondly reminisced with family and friends from that day forward of those good times. Willis was a member and Past Commander of Ford-Banka American Legion Post #183, and a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Daykin where he was baptized and confirmed. Willis enjoyed gardening, building and woodworking. He made many items for his family: wardrobes, shelves and even a rabbit condominium. He was a backyard mechanic and could repair most anything. He enjoyed camping and fishing. Many weekends, these trips included one, some, or all of his granddaughters. Neighbors will miss seeing him on his porch. Willis will be forever missed by his wife Rosie; daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis and Jon Ryan; Susan and Rob Schwarte; and son Rick, all of Friend; sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Kenny Roesler; brothers and sister-in-law, Dennis and Shari Schwisow; Bill Schwisow; and sister-in-law Pat, all of Western; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Willis cherished every moment spent with his granddaughters: Kaitlin and Kristin Schwarte; Courtney, Ashley, Brandey and Christina Ryan, all of Friend, he was a wonderful grandparent and they will always love him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dale; and sister-in-laws Charlotte and Cynthia, brother-in-law, Jack Neaman.