Gregory Thomas Schwartzhoff

Gregory Thomas Schwartzhoff, of Milwaukee, WI, passed away peacefully at home on August 11 at the age of 90. Cherished husband of Charlotte (nee Baxter) for almost 65 years. Beloved father of Carol, Gail (Bill), Gregory (Michele), and Donald (Margaret). Dear grandfather of Dawn, Daniel, David, Sara, James, John, Heather, Matthew, Jennifer and Justin and great-grandfather of Zoe, Emma, Sophie, and Chloe. Brother of Anna Helming. Preceded in death by his parents, his son Dale, six brothers and five sisters: Harold, George, Aloysius, Jack, Cletus, Mark, Margaret, Winifred, Helen, Lucille, and Celia. Further survived by many relatives and friends.

Gregg was born to Herman Schwartzhoff and Molly Danaher Schwartzhoff in Waterloo Township, Allamakee County, Iowa, on May 11, 1916. He grew up on the family farm and later experienced the hardships of the Great Depression, even riding the rails in search of employment. He had an optimistic nature and strong work ethic and held many jobs-on farms, in factories, and along the Mississippi River cutting timber. On October 18, 1941, he married Charlotte Baxter, the love of his life, at St. Agnes Church in Chicago. They lost their firstborn child to pneumonia at the age of 21 months. During WWII, Gregg joined the United States Army and was proud to serve his country as a tank operator in Japan. Later, Gregg was part of a team of heating engineers that introduced natural gas to Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. When he saw Milwaukee's lakefront for the first time, he fell in love with the city and decided to settle down there to raise his family and start his own heating business. Visitors from out of state inevitably found themselves on a tour of the City with Gregg as their enthusiastic guide. He was a loyal fan of the Milwaukee Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Green Bay Packers. An avid reader with special interests in history, geography, and science, he had a natural curiosity and was always eager to learn new things. He had a keen memory and lively sense of humor, enjoyed conversations, and was a master storyteller. He took great pride in his family and found pleasure in compiling a family history.

Gregg's final wish was to return home to Iowa to be laid to rest among family there. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, Iowa. On Thursday, a 10:30 a.m. mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, followed by graveside services with military rites at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Gregg was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.