Donald W. Schwanke
February 11, 1930 ~ March 21, 2022
Donald W. Schwanke, 92, of 937 Innsbruck Lane, Princeton, IL died Monday, March 21, 2022 at his home.
Donald was born February 12, 1930 to Walter and Sophie (Fecht) Schwanke.
He was educated in Varna, IL and attended the University of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
He married Myra (Smith) Polizzi in May 1989.
Survivors include his wife, two sons, W. Scott (Janet) Schwanke of Deerfield, IL and Paul D. Schwanke (Ginna Shannon) of Eau Claire, MI. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Beth Schwanke (Eric Bukstein) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Lauren Schwanke of Deerfield, IL, two great-grandchildren, Emma and Madeline Bukstein, one brother, Roland K. Schwanke of Gridley, IL, one stepdaughter, Kim (Larry) Hack of Peoria, IL, three stepsons, Kevin (Joyce) Polizzi of Sun City West, AZ, Kerry (Jean) Polizzi of Elmhurst, IL, and Kirk (Laura) Polizzi of Wilmington, NC.
His former wife Marilyn (Puddy) Milanesi Stuart preceded him in death.
Don was office manager of the Marshall-Putnam ASCS office in Henry, IL, until he purchased the Wenona Elevator Co. in Wenona, IL which he owned for a number of years. After the sale of the Wenona Elevator Co. he moved to Chicago to become the Vice President of AG Edwards & Sons, St. Louis, MO, in their Commodity Division and for 15 years as their market advisor. He bought a membership on the Chicago Board of Trade and traded commodities on the floor until his retirement. Don was a member of the American Legion Post #8, Wenona, IL, and was a charter member and former president of the Rotary Club of Wenona. He loved to travel, and visited China, Russia, and many European countries. He traveled to the Normandy battlefields and cemeteries with his sons and participated in the honor flight to Washington, DC in 2013. He was extremely handy and his sons and grandchildren thought he could do just about anything he set his mind to.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private graveside service will be held in Henry, IL, cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #8, Wenona, IL or to the Salvation Army.
Dear Myra and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely,Mavis
Don was a true gentleman and really respected by all who had the pleasure of working with him. He was always interested in the world around him and helped where he could. I am grateful to have been able to call him a special friend for over 45 years.