James "J.J." Joe Schwab

July 26, 1933 — July 22, 2016

James Joe (J.J.) Schwab was born July 26, 1933, in Jamestown, ND, to Joseph and Christine (Ebele) Schwab. He grew up and attended school in Jamestown, ND. In 1951 he entered the US Navy. He served in the Korean War as a Medic attached to the Marine Corps in 1952 and 1953. For his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Korean War Service Medal with 3 Stars, Purple Heart with 2 gold stars, and UN Service Medal. From 1954 to 1956 he attended State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, graduating in Electrical Trades. He married Alice Watson in 1956 in Jamestown, ND. He spent his entire working career with Otter Tail Power Company, starting in Fergus Falls, MN, as an Apprentice Meter Tester in 1956. He transferred to Garrison, ND in 1957 as a Journeyman Meter Tester. He transferred to Appleton, MN in 1958 as a Special Meter Tester and retired in 1998 as an Energy, Measurement and Control Technician (EM&C).

J.J. was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church; life member of VFW Post 4955, Appleton and served as commander 1969-1970. He was a live member of CAV Chapter 24, Montevideo; IBEW Electrical Union 949 and American Legion Post 359, Milan.

J.J. enjoyed numerous hobbies, especially gardening, making post office box door banks and selling on Ebay.

He is survived by his five children: Debra (Ron) Askeland of San Diego, CA, Teresa Schwab of Fort Collins, CO, Jeffrey Schwab of Appleton, Sandra (Schwab) West of Shasta Lake, CA, Michael Schwab of Roswell, GA; Maria Mandracchia Schwab of Roswell, GA; 10 grandchildren: Sarah and Karen Askeland, Heidi (Dave) Scott, Chad Schwab, Adam Schwab, David (Vianney) West, Jessica and Michelle West, and Jeremy and Krysta Schwab; 7 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Alexander, Daniel, Grace and Nicholas Scott, and Gabriel and Alexander West.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 57 years, Alice; his brother and sister-in-law Joe and Bonnie Schwab; and infant granddaughter, Brittany.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Northridge Residence Activities Department, Ortonville, MN or St. John’s Catholic Church, Appleton.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, August 5, 2016

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

St. John's Catholic Church, Appleton

349 East Reuss Avenue, Appleton, MN 56208

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Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

St. John's Catholic Church, Appleton

349 East Reuss Avenue, Appleton, MN 56208

Get Directions Plant Trees

Visitation

Saturday, August 6, 2016

St. John's Catholic Church, Appleton

349 East Reuss Avenue, Appleton, MN 56208

Get Directions Plant Trees

James "J.J." Joe Schwab

July 26, 1933 — July 22, 2016

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial

Visitation

Guestbook