Francis L. Schwendeman

Francis L Schwendeman, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday December 14th, at The Lantern of Chagrin Valley assisted living. He is now joined with his beloved wife who passed away in September 2020. A lifelong resident he graduated from Middlefield High School class of 1945. He enlisted Sept 1945 in the Army Air Corp and served as a Cryptologist in Guam.

A machinist by trade, he worked as Supervisor of the mold repair and tool and die department at Geauga Industries until his retirement in 1989. He loved bowling, proud of his perfect games. He also enjoyed gardening, camping, hunting, dancing, woodworking, metal fabrication and could make or fix nearly everything. He built their first house in 1952. He was a founding member of St Lucy’s Catholic mission and was very active in the construction and then contributed to its maintenance. He served as an usher for many years.

He married Mary Schwendeman December 31, 1949 in Angola IN. They often celebrated their anniversary by going to New Year’s Eve dances and parties. Together they raised 5 children and traveled to all 50 states and Europe.

Francis will be deeply missed by: his children, Linda (Phillip) Smallwood, Helen Neill, Elaine Johnston, Diane King, John (Mary Priebe) Schwendeman; grandchildren, Christina (Curt) Canfield, Jennifer Hanna, Erin (Brent) Held, Rick (Renata D.) Neill, Megan Green, Mike (Tara) Johnston, Rachel King, Amanda (Rob) Bohman; great-grandchildren, Matthew Canfield, Meredith Canfield, Allyson Held, Alivia Held, Sydney Held, Mariah Easterday, James Bohman, Isla Bohman; sisters, Gertrude Hall, Eleanor (Ellie) Fricker, brothers Ralph (Doris) Schwendeman, Paul (Carol) Schwendeman and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 71 years, Mary E. Wright Schwendeman, his parents Charles F and Eleanor Tullius Schwendeman, brothers Charles and Roy Schwendeman, brother-in-law Harold Hall, son-in-law William (Bill) Neill.

The family would like to thank Harbor Light Hospice and The Lantern of Chagrin for their care of both Francis and Mary. Contribution in lieu of flowers can be made to: Harbor Light Hospice 677 H. Alpha Dr Highland Heights, OH 44143 OR Gary Sinise Foundation 1901 Avenue of the Stars Suite 1050 Los Angeles, CA 90067.

A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL WILL BE HELD AT 10:30 AM, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2020 AT ST. LUCY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 16280 KINSMAN RD., MIDDLEIELD, OH 44062. Family and friends will be received from 4:00 PM to 7 PM, Thursday at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH. Francis’ final resting place will be in Middlefield Cemetery.

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