Van Heston Schwartz
Monday, October 29, 1945
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Age:
66 years old
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday November 03, 2012
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Monday, October 29, 1945
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Age:
66 years old
Monday, October 29, 1945
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Age:
66 years old
Van Heston Schwartz
Van Heston Schwartz, 66, died on October 28, 2012 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. His body was cremated on October 29, after living on this planet for 67 years.
Van was born in Davenport, IA on October 29, 1945 to Florence (Husted) and Earl Schwartz. During high school, he was active in many clubs and played saxophone and clarinet in orchestra and dance bands, earning a music scholarship to St. Ambrose College in Davenport. He later transferred to Harvard University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968.
He married Carol Jacobs in 1966, and was blessed with a daughter, Robin. They later divorced. He and Terri Dugan married in 1983 in Rochester, MN.
Van filled his young adult years with many experiences including running U.S. Senate races, marketing the Volunteer Army for the Pentagon, editing the Bettendorf (IA) News, and shoeing horses with the Amish. He sculpted portrait busts in clay while at Harvard, and was offered a Ford Foundation grant. He chose instead to pursue a career in finance, and worked at Goldman Sachs before returning to the Midwest. He retired on disability from his position as Bond Wholesaler for Dain Bosworth in 1986.
After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1980, he continued to work and pursue his newest hobbies of photography and writing poetry. He enjoyed dining at many of Rochester’s fine restaurants, meetings of the Investment Club and Poetry Group, rides in the country, and trips to the mall. As the disease progressed, Van spent his time at home, welcoming visits from family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Terri Dugan, daughter Robin Schwartz, Carol Jacobs and granddaughter Amanda Matthews, in-laws Holly (Dugan) and George Renner and Kim, Chuck, Rick Dugan and Al Sierra, nieces and nephews Nida Dieckmann, Michael German, John and Dan Renner, Rick Dugan, and all of their children, and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marie German Sierra, brother-in-law Ray German, and niece Rajean (German) Lowenstein.
Van’s Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel Rochester, MN with the Rev. Char Tarashanti officiating. A celebratory dinner will follow the service.
The family requests memorials to the MS Society, Rochester Public Library, Paws and Claws Humane Society, or charity of your choice.
On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Van Heston Schwartz has received the following condolences.
Terri,
Hello, I was very surprised when I seen Van's Obit. in the Post Bulletin,he was such a sweetman. I REALLY enjoyed caring for him, I really loved his smile. He was an eloquent man. I am so glad that I was able to get to know you both through, working at Comfort home health care,though I am no longer there.
Terri you & Van were Awesome people. Being at your home & caring for Van, it was like being in another world.All the aminals in your back yard..It was truly great to be invited in to your home to care for Van but also to be able to talk to & meet some of your family members.The two girls Mischa, & Sophie.
I Thank God for giving me the chance to meet & care for an Incredible Gentleman, you his wife, and family,I am Truly Blessed for having had thte chance to be a part of your lives, for the time I was there..For this I Thank you.... You guys are never far from my thoughts...
My Thoughts & Prayers, & are with you & your Family at this time...
I am so sorry to hear about Van's passing. I knew Van years ago when I used to come take care of him at night when I worked for Comfort Home. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Penney Ivey
It has been an honor to enjoy Mr Van over the years, and learn of all his adventures and accomplishments. He's made quite a mark, and will be missed !
It has been a true blessing to witness the attentiveness and dignity with which you have managed and arranged for Van's superb care, Terri, with so many many coming in to help, and offer the gift of their time or skill.
The two of you have created a beautiful home and an honor-filled partnership all of us are in awe of.
May dear Van be at rest now. And may you, Terri, find your way through the sorrow of his absence.
xoxo ~Jennifer