Richard Schwager

Richard W. Schwager, age 81, of Gladwin, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. He was born on April 13, 1943, the son of Cyril “Dutch” and Gabrielle “Bertie” (Waskiewicz) Schwager, in Gladwin. Richard graduated from Gladwin High School and attended Ferris State College. He went on to work at Kirchman Brothers for many years. Richard moved to Gladwin, where he worked at Schwager’s Department Store until furthering his career in the food industry. He was an owner and operator of many local restaurants.  

He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. Richard was very active, often spending his free time woodworking, farming, gardening, and cooking. He had a deep love for hunting, fishing, and boating, which were his favorite pastimes. Richard was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  

He is survived by his beloved wife: Sheri Schwager; children: Kelly (Scott) Dieter of San Clemente, CA, Mark (Jennifer) Schwager of Gladwin, and Kristina (Bud) Leedom of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; grandchildren: Jewell, Jade, Lucas, Jacob, Emerson, and Ellaclair; great-grandchildren: Pheonix (3) and Harleaux (1); sister: Carol Murphy of San Francisco, CA; along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved dog Abbey. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.  

Richard lived a full and vibrant life from beginning to end. He touched the lives of many people with his smile, humor, and kind brilliant blue eyes.  

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics, MI or the Rogel Cancer Center Multiple Myeloma Gift Fund at the University of Michigan at 734-764-6777. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com