Eugene Leonard Schwieterman, 77, passed away at his home in New Bremen, Ohio on Sunday, October 31, 2021 with the love of his life ever by his side.
Born on August 30, 1944 in Los Angeles, California, Gene lived a life full of adventures. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1963 and joined the Navy in 1964. He was stationed on the USS Nautilus SSN 571, USS George C. Marshall SSBN 654, and the USS Fulton AS 11; serving as a Poseidon Missile Tech and a Subroc Tech. It was during his time in the Navy that Gene met and immediately fell in love with Bonnie and would go on to build a beautiful life and family while living in Connecticut, Virginia, Florida, and Ohio.
Aside from fishing, Gene was never one to sit around, which is why he was not only a jack of all trades, but he mastered them as well. Following his Naval service, Gene became a contractor, plumber, electrician, and served 30 years for New Bremen Local Schools as Maintenance and Head Custodian until he retired in 2008. Even while working for the school district, Gene found time to build his own house. After his retirement, he went on to work at Walmart and Elmwood Assisted Living.
Gene’s love of running led him to compete in 3 marathons; he ran twice in the Columbus Marathon and once in the Boston Marathon in 1987. Gene also coached the New Bremen Cross Country team for 3 years and achieved the 1995 MAC Coach of the Year for the Conference.
Later in life, you could often find Gene fishing, geocaching, or spending time with his grandkids. When it came to geocaching, no cache was too high up in a tree, down deep in a ravine, or far across a busy highway for Gene. Never one to back away from a challenge, he would collect each cache with enthusiasm.
While he had numerous personal achievements, to him, none were greater than that of his family. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Bonnie (Booth) Schwieterman; his children Gene Schwieterman Jr. his wife, Jo; Dan Schwieterman and his wife, Katy; Anna (Schwieterman) Sherman and her husband, Eric; and eleven wonderful grandchildren: Joshua Schwieterman and wife, Kiara; Andrew Schwieterman and wife, Cheyenne; Christian Schwieterman; Abigail Schwieterman and fiancé Christopher Grillot; Elizabeth Heitkamp; Allison Schwieterman; Aaron Schwieterman; Lily Sherman; Madelyn Schwieterman; Ashley Sherman; and Matthew Schwieterman. He also leaves behind his two sisters Bea Gross and Pat Carter, and brother, Billy LoPatriello and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.
Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ann Schwieterman; brother, Ronald Schwieterman; sister, Betty Crosby.
The ever-humble Gene leaves behind a legacy because through his example, he taught those around him how to be more generous, work hard, and most importantly, love unconditionally. He was a helping-hand to those in need, a champion for those he loved, and a truly devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen with Rev. Fr. Thomas Dorn and Deacon Greg Bornhorst officiating. Innichement will take place on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. in the Dayton National Cemetery, near Dayton, Ohio. Calling Hours will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and from 9:00 until 10:00 AM at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gene’s honor can be made to Grand Lake Hospice (1122 E. Spring Street, St. Marys, Ohio 45885). Online condolences to the family can be made on the funeral home website: www.gilberghartwigfh.com.
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Dot Schwartz says
November 1, 2021 at 6:10 pmBonnie and family, you all have our deepest sympathy. He was a great guy!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Doseck Thobe says
November 2, 2021 at 6:44 amSympathy for you and your family. I remember Gene working at school and he always had a smile. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Lori Finkbeiner Knight says
November 2, 2021 at 7:09 amMuch love and prayers for peace and comfort to the whole Schwieterman family at this time of loss. May you cherish the time you had with Gene and let his memory live on in your hearts and mind.
Roger and Cheryl Barlage says
November 2, 2021 at 9:27 amSending our sympathy to the family. Sorry for your loss.
Dianne Dicke says
November 2, 2021 at 3:04 pmMy deepest sympathy to the Schwieterman family. Gene was truly a master of all he did, and he always did it with a smile and in a timely manner. Rest In Peace Gene.
Susan Wissman says
November 2, 2021 at 4:49 pmI am so sorry for your loss of husband, father and grandfather and friend. So sorry friend
Teresa Joyce says
November 4, 2021 at 6:04 amBonnie and my kids I love you all dad was one of the best I have alot of great memories with him and all of you gene and I talked often we laughed about our trip to kings island and gene truly loved everyone he knew love you all
Terry Eyink says
November 5, 2021 at 2:42 pmVery sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. I have so many good memories, when we were neighbors in Montezuma near Windy Point, from running your Huskies, to playing hockey in your ponds, etc. Gene always had the same great smile on his face. My sister Lorna would have loved the part in Gene’s obituary about the “running”. Perhaps they will get some miles in together soon.
Nick Dingledine says
November 5, 2021 at 5:19 pmBonnie and kids, so sorry to hear the news about Gene. Due to Covid concerns, I won’t attend the viewing or the funeral but I am keeping all of you in my prayers. Gene was always a hard worker who was happy to help out and always with a smile on his face! Gene will make heaven a better place with his presence.
Adam Topp says
November 8, 2021 at 8:46 amBonnie and Family so sorry I couldn’t attend the funeral but know you all were in my thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed being in Gene’s presence as a friend of Dan’s, employee of his working at the school over the summer, or coaching with him over the years. He was a great man and even after I always enjoyed running into him with a friendly hello. He was a great role model for so many including myself.
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