Clemens W. Schwanke

Clemens Walter Schwanke, 95, died on Monday, December 13. He was born in Maywood, Illinois, and survived rheumatic fever as a small child. He later moved to Chicago with his family where he finished elementary and high school and met his wife, Viola Nee Schilke. They were married in 1941 and enjoyed over fifty years together. The union produced two children, Wayne, of Orlando, and Joanne Ebert (David), of Arlington Heights, Illinois, who survive Mr. Schwanke. He was preceded in death by his wife (1991) and two brothers, Louis of Bradenton, FL, and Donald of Arlington Heights, Illinois. He is also survived by four grandchildren, David Ebert (Antonia), Libertyville, Illinois, Daniel Ebert (Leigh), Cary, Illinois, Elizabeth Calato (Chris), Huntley, Illinois, and Sarah Cossiboon (Joshua), Pingree Grove, Illinois, five great grandchildren, and one sister-in-law, Shirley Schwanke (Donald), Arlington Heights, Illionois. With the exception of the stint with the Army in Japan, Mr. Schwanke was employed his entire working life by the Commonwealth Edison Company of Chicago. He was always active in church work by singing in various choirs, serving as Elder, evangelist, and Board of Christian Education member. He participated in volunteer work at the Lutheran Home and Service for the Aged in Arlington Heights, Illinois. After moving to Orlando, Mr. Schwanke enjoyed Bible study, and men's choir at church.