Walter E. Schwerin Obituary
Walter Edward Schwerin, 90, of Kawkawlin, MI passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025 at MidMichigan Medical Center after a brief illness.
Walter was born November 7, 1934 in Mt. Forest, MI to Myrtle (Conklin) and William Schwerin, the last of 6 children. As the baby of the family, he had a way of getting what he wanted, even if it took convincing. And if he didn't – well watch out.
That was until he met his match in 1954 at White's Drive-In. After much persuading from Walter, he convinced Jacquelyne (Jackie) Tryban to go out with him and the two married on April 23, 1955. "Walt and Jack" celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past April, a milestone they were proud to achieve.
In their time together, Walter and Jackie built a beautiful life. They raised 11 children, built their family home, and explored various business ventures. The most successful being "Wally's Ornaments" which became a landmark in Kawkawlin as "the house with all the statues.". It quickly became a family business where Walter instilled his strong work ethic and persistent penny-pinching into his children. In addition to the family business, Walter retired from General Motors in 1991 after 38 years of service. Even in his retirement, he supported the Local 362 UAW where he regularly attended meetings.
In his free time Walter enjoyed a game of Euchre, tending to his garden, or tinkering around the house. He devoted his life to making a better future for his children and grandchildren which was a commitment not only reflected in his actions, but his words. Whether it was bits of wisdom, a stern scolding, or a joke to make you laugh, what he said had a way of sticking with you. Best known as "Pa" to his family, he will be dearly missed for his playful arguments for the sake of arguing and the grin of approval when he knew he "won".
Walter is survived by his wife Jacquelyne, 10 of his children Sabrina, Tina (Tom) Wojda, Malinda (Rickey) LaLonde, Tammy, Michelle (Michael) Sequin, Mark, Jeff (Tammy), Scott (Jamie), Kyle (Tammy) and Vanessa; daughter in-law Darlene Schwerin, 18 grandchildren, and soon to be 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his son Brian Joseph Schwerin.
Thank you to his daughter Vanessa and granddaughter Tina (Bay) who dedicated the last year to ensuring Walter was well taken care of. A special thanks to his granddaughter and Jennifer who was not only integral in his care, but also his assistant in the various projects he would come up with. She always ensured it was "Pa's way", even if it meant work for her.
A memorial service will be held at a later time.
