John Schwartzkopf Jr., 94, made his spiritual transition on July 8, 2015, at his home. At his request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of his Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 13 at Gering Zion Church with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. Memorials may be given to Prairie Haven Hospice. Gering Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
John Schwartzkopf Jr. was born June 4, 1921, to John Sr and Lydia (Bertram) Schwartzkopf at their home in the Haig community weighing in at 10 pounds. He was non-English speaking until he entered school in Huntley, Wyoming. German was spoken exclusively at home because the elders were German speaking. This created some real issues for this first grade student. His education was at the Huntley School where he finished six and a half grades. He did start the eighth grade but left school to work the farm like most young men his age were expected to do. This was all hand labor working with teams of horses.
He was confirmed in the Old German Lutheran Church tradition in his youth. He has been a lifelong member of the German Lutheran faith. As his hearing and vision declined, he was less active in the church activities. He always maintained a strong faith in God and in his provision.
John married Ann Reichert in January of 1942. This was a traditional German wedding extending over a three day period. Seven children were born to this union of twenty-one years.
John and Dorothy Neuman married and shared a twelve year relationship. No children were born in this union. Dorothy brought three children into this marriage, two of whom are deceased.
John and Leona Eades were married for three years. No children were born in this union. She had two grown daughters.
After going broke on the farm three times, John went to work for a paycheck. He did auto sales, tire repair, and sales for Stickney’s Tires. Six months later, he was offered a job with Blue Jay Feeds working in the mill. J.R. Jirdon hired him to deliver cattle feed throughout Wyoming, northern Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Utah; thus began his trucking career. He worked for Jirdon for six years and loved visiting with the folks on the ranches where he delivered feed. John went to work for WNX for the next twenty years driving from Scottsbluff to Omaha and back six nights a week. He hauled money, newspapers, mail, and freight of all kinds that had to be loaded and unloaded by hand each night at various docks along the route. He took early retirement in January of 1977 returning home after being stranded for over a week in his truck in a blizzard near Omaha. When he crawled out of the truck the last time, he never looked back. The company was moving into the larger metropolitan areas and he did not want to move to St. Joseph, Missouri, or Denver.
John and Gay Ackerman were married in March of 1978. He helped her raise her two sons. There were no children born to this union of thirty eight years.
John was an avid gardener and was known in his neighborhood as the tree mover. If he was seen with a shovel and a wheel barrow, the neighbors knew he was about to move a tree maybe a foot one way or another or completely out. He shared his flowers and garden produce generously. He was very happy to share his knowledge and stories with any and all who would listen. He was a hunter, a fisherman, animal lover, and an avid story teller. He worked hard, enjoyed life and his family, loved his animals and people in general. He had a gentle way with children, horses, and dogs and they often sought his attention.
John is survived by his wife Gay; sons Al (Donna) Schwartzkopf of Gothenburg, Willie (Shirley) Schwartzkopf of Gering, Dan (Diane) Schwartzkopf of Torrington, Roger (Sheri) Schwartzkopf of Gering, John Harvey Schwartzkopf of Evans, Colorado, Ron (Valerie) Ackerman of Gering, and Rob (Jade) Ackerman of Torrington; daughter-in-law Vicki Schwartzkopf of Copperass Cove, Texas; sisters Ester Ring of Torrington and Dorothy Smallwood of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sister-in-law Kathryn Schwartzkopf of Torrington; step-daughter Lynda (Ken) McBride of Gering; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews, and extended family members. God blessed John really well.
John was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter Judith Ann Schwartzkopf; son Glenn Schwartzkopf; great-grandson Taylor Magdaleno; brothers Ruben Schwartzkopf and Donald Schwartzkopf; brothers-in-law Robert Smallwood and Bill Ring; and his three former wives.
Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald July 9th, 2015
John Schwartzkopf Jr. was born June 4, 1921, to John Sr and Lydia (Bertram) Schwartzkopf at their home in the Haig community weighing in at 10 pounds. He was non-English speaking until he entered school in Huntley, Wyoming. German was spoken exclusively at home because the elders were German speaking. This created some real issues for this first grade student. His education was at the Huntley School where he finished six and a half grades. He did start the eighth grade but left school to work the farm like most young men his age were expected to do. This was all hand labor working with teams of horses.
He was confirmed in the Old German Lutheran Church tradition in his youth. He has been a lifelong member of the German Lutheran faith. As his hearing and vision declined, he was less active in the church activities. He always maintained a strong faith in God and in his provision.
John married Ann Reichert in January of 1942. This was a traditional German wedding extending over a three day period. Seven children were born to this union of twenty-one years.
John and Dorothy Neuman married and shared a twelve year relationship. No children were born in this union. Dorothy brought three children into this marriage, two of whom are deceased.
John and Leona Eades were married for three years. No children were born in this union. She had two grown daughters.
After going broke on the farm three times, John went to work for a paycheck. He did auto sales, tire repair, and sales for Stickney’s Tires. Six months later, he was offered a job with Blue Jay Feeds working in the mill. J.R. Jirdon hired him to deliver cattle feed throughout Wyoming, northern Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Utah; thus began his trucking career. He worked for Jirdon for six years and loved visiting with the folks on the ranches where he delivered feed. John went to work for WNX for the next twenty years driving from Scottsbluff to Omaha and back six nights a week. He hauled money, newspapers, mail, and freight of all kinds that had to be loaded and unloaded by hand each night at various docks along the route. He took early retirement in January of 1977 returning home after being stranded for over a week in his truck in a blizzard near Omaha. When he crawled out of the truck the last time, he never looked back. The company was moving into the larger metropolitan areas and he did not want to move to St. Joseph, Missouri, or Denver.
John and Gay Ackerman were married in March of 1978. He helped her raise her two sons. There were no children born to this union of thirty eight years.
John was an avid gardener and was known in his neighborhood as the tree mover. If he was seen with a shovel and a wheel barrow, the neighbors knew he was about to move a tree maybe a foot one way or another or completely out. He shared his flowers and garden produce generously. He was very happy to share his knowledge and stories with any and all who would listen. He was a hunter, a fisherman, animal lover, and an avid story teller. He worked hard, enjoyed life and his family, loved his animals and people in general. He had a gentle way with children, horses, and dogs and they often sought his attention.
John is survived by his wife Gay; sons Al (Donna) Schwartzkopf of Gothenburg, Willie (Shirley) Schwartzkopf of Gering, Dan (Diane) Schwartzkopf of Torrington, Roger (Sheri) Schwartzkopf of Gering, John Harvey Schwartzkopf of Evans, Colorado, Ron (Valerie) Ackerman of Gering, and Rob (Jade) Ackerman of Torrington; daughter-in-law Vicki Schwartzkopf of Copperass Cove, Texas; sisters Ester Ring of Torrington and Dorothy Smallwood of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sister-in-law Kathryn Schwartzkopf of Torrington; step-daughter Lynda (Ken) McBride of Gering; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews, and extended family members. God blessed John really well.
John was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter Judith Ann Schwartzkopf; son Glenn Schwartzkopf; great-grandson Taylor Magdaleno; brothers Ruben Schwartzkopf and Donald Schwartzkopf; brothers-in-law Robert Smallwood and Bill Ring; and his three former wives.
Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald July 9th, 2015
John Schwartzkopf Jr., 94, made his spiritual transition on July 8, 2015, at his home. At his request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of his Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 13 at Gering Zion Church with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. Memorials may be given to Prairie Haven Hospice. Gering Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
John Schwartzkopf Jr. was born June 4, 1921, to John Sr and Lydia (Bertram) Schwartzkopf at their home in the Haig community weighing in at 10 pounds. He was non-English speaking until he entered school in Huntley, Wyoming. German was spoken exclusively at home because the elders were German speaking. This created some real issues for this first grade student. His education was at the Huntley School where he finished six and a half grades. He did start the eighth grade but left school to work the farm like most young men his age were expected to do. This was all hand labor working with teams of horses.
He was confirmed in the Old German Lutheran Church tradition in his youth. He has been a lifelong member of the German Lutheran faith. As his hearing and vision declined, he was less active in the church activities. He always maintained a strong faith in God and in his provision.
John married Ann Reichert in January of 1942. This was a traditional German wedding extending over a three day period. Seven children were born to this union of twenty-one years.
John and Dorothy Neuman married and shared a twelve year relationship. No children were born in this union. Dorothy brought three children into this marriage, two of whom are deceased.
John and Leona Eades were married for three years. No children were born in this union. She had two grown daughters.
After going broke on the farm three times, John went to work for a paycheck. He did auto sales, tire repair, and sales for Stickney’s Tires. Six months later, he was offered a job with Blue Jay Feeds working in the mill. J.R. Jirdon hired him to deliver cattle feed throughout Wyoming, northern Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Utah; thus began his trucking career. He worked for Jirdon for six years and loved visiting with the folks on the ranches where he delivered feed. John went to work for WNX for the next twenty years driving from Scottsbluff to Omaha and back six nights a week. He hauled money, newspapers, mail, and freight of all kinds that had to be loaded and unloaded by hand each night at various docks along the route. He took early retirement in January of 1977 returning home after being stranded for over a week in his truck in a blizzard near Omaha. When he crawled out of the truck the last time, he never looked back. The company was moving into the larger metropolitan areas and he did not want to move to St. Joseph, Missouri, or Denver.
John and Gay Ackerman were married in March of 1978. He helped her raise her two sons. There were no children born to this union of thirty eight years.
John was an avid gardener and was known in his neighborhood as the tree mover. If he was seen with a shovel and a wheel barrow, the neighbors knew he was about to move a tree maybe a foot one way or another or completely out. He shared his flowers and garden produce generously. He was very happy to share his knowledge and stories with any and all who would listen. He was a hunter, a fisherman, animal lover, and an avid story teller. He worked hard, enjoyed life and his family, loved his animals and people in general. He had a gentle way with children, horses, and dogs and they often sought his attention.
John is survived by his wife Gay; sons Al (Donna) Schwartzkopf of Gothenburg, Willie (Shirley) Schwartzkopf of Gering, Dan (Diane) Schwartzkopf of Torrington, Roger (Sheri) Schwartzkopf of Gering, John Harvey Schwartzkopf of Evans, Colorado, Ron (Valerie) Ackerman of Gering, and Rob (Jade) Ackerman of Torrington; daughter-in-law Vicki Schwartzkopf of Copperass Cove, Texas; sisters Ester Ring of Torrington and Dorothy Smallwood of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sister-in-law Kathryn Schwartzkopf of Torrington; step-daughter Lynda (Ken) McBride of Gering; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews, and extended family members. God blessed John really well.
John was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter Judith Ann Schwartzkopf; son Glenn Schwartzkopf; great-grandson Taylor Magdaleno; brothers Ruben Schwartzkopf and Donald Schwartzkopf; brothers-in-law Robert Smallwood and Bill Ring; and his three former wives.
Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald July 9th, 2015
John Schwartzkopf Jr. was born June 4, 1921, to John Sr and Lydia (Bertram) Schwartzkopf at their home in the Haig community weighing in at 10 pounds. He was non-English speaking until he entered school in Huntley, Wyoming. German was spoken exclusively at home because the elders were German speaking. This created some real issues for this first grade student. His education was at the Huntley School where he finished six and a half grades. He did start the eighth grade but left school to work the farm like most young men his age were expected to do. This was all hand labor working with teams of horses.
He was confirmed in the Old German Lutheran Church tradition in his youth. He has been a lifelong member of the German Lutheran faith. As his hearing and vision declined, he was less active in the church activities. He always maintained a strong faith in God and in his provision.
John married Ann Reichert in January of 1942. This was a traditional German wedding extending over a three day period. Seven children were born to this union of twenty-one years.
John and Dorothy Neuman married and shared a twelve year relationship. No children were born in this union. Dorothy brought three children into this marriage, two of whom are deceased.
John and Leona Eades were married for three years. No children were born in this union. She had two grown daughters.
After going broke on the farm three times, John went to work for a paycheck. He did auto sales, tire repair, and sales for Stickney’s Tires. Six months later, he was offered a job with Blue Jay Feeds working in the mill. J.R. Jirdon hired him to deliver cattle feed throughout Wyoming, northern Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Utah; thus began his trucking career. He worked for Jirdon for six years and loved visiting with the folks on the ranches where he delivered feed. John went to work for WNX for the next twenty years driving from Scottsbluff to Omaha and back six nights a week. He hauled money, newspapers, mail, and freight of all kinds that had to be loaded and unloaded by hand each night at various docks along the route. He took early retirement in January of 1977 returning home after being stranded for over a week in his truck in a blizzard near Omaha. When he crawled out of the truck the last time, he never looked back. The company was moving into the larger metropolitan areas and he did not want to move to St. Joseph, Missouri, or Denver.
John and Gay Ackerman were married in March of 1978. He helped her raise her two sons. There were no children born to this union of thirty eight years.
John was an avid gardener and was known in his neighborhood as the tree mover. If he was seen with a shovel and a wheel barrow, the neighbors knew he was about to move a tree maybe a foot one way or another or completely out. He shared his flowers and garden produce generously. He was very happy to share his knowledge and stories with any and all who would listen. He was a hunter, a fisherman, animal lover, and an avid story teller. He worked hard, enjoyed life and his family, loved his animals and people in general. He had a gentle way with children, horses, and dogs and they often sought his attention.
John is survived by his wife Gay; sons Al (Donna) Schwartzkopf of Gothenburg, Willie (Shirley) Schwartzkopf of Gering, Dan (Diane) Schwartzkopf of Torrington, Roger (Sheri) Schwartzkopf of Gering, John Harvey Schwartzkopf of Evans, Colorado, Ron (Valerie) Ackerman of Gering, and Rob (Jade) Ackerman of Torrington; daughter-in-law Vicki Schwartzkopf of Copperass Cove, Texas; sisters Ester Ring of Torrington and Dorothy Smallwood of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sister-in-law Kathryn Schwartzkopf of Torrington; step-daughter Lynda (Ken) McBride of Gering; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews, and extended family members. God blessed John really well.
John was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter Judith Ann Schwartzkopf; son Glenn Schwartzkopf; great-grandson Taylor Magdaleno; brothers Ruben Schwartzkopf and Donald Schwartzkopf; brothers-in-law Robert Smallwood and Bill Ring; and his three former wives.
Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald July 9th, 2015
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