James Schwanz

James E. “Jim” Schwanz, formerly of Milwaukee, Minocqua and Wauwatosa, Wis., passed away in Phoenix on Feb. 1, 2020. 

Jim was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 9, 1941, to Elmer and Lois (nee Dehne) Schwanz.

Jim graduated from Pius XI High School. He also attended St. Norbert College and Marquette University. 

After careers in sales and real estate in Wisconsin, he retired to Phoenix in 2007. His love of boating, golf, baseball and football, especially the Green Bay Packers, will be remembered.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary (nee Radoszewski, formerly Coconate); his son Erik (Penny) Schwanz; his daughter Heidi (Martin) Rettler; and Mary’s children Tony Coconate, Colleen (Tim) Krolczyk, Michael Coconate and Gina (Howard) Davis.

He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to Angela (Kyle) Cleveland, Melanie (Randy) and Brant Holcombe, Sevi and Riley Coconate, Macy Cunningham, Xavier and Lucy Rettler and Mia Davis. 

Jim is survived by his brothers Tom (Dorothy) and Jerry Schwanz, brothers-in-law Tom and Bill (Marie) Radoszewski, former spouse Patricia Schwanz, dear friends John Seramur, Peter Palermiti and Martha Handrick and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, grandson Jason and great-grandson Cal.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Bridges Hospice care team of Anthony, Jenny, Marilou, Bridgette and Ella, as well as to East Villa Care Home for making Jim’s final days as comfortable as possible.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 26, 2020, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7301 W. Nash St., Milwaukee, 53216. Jim’s family will receive visitors from 1:30 p.m. until the service at 3 p.m. 

A private interment will take place. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.