Thomas Schwab

STERLING- Thomas John Schwab, 75, passed away unexpectedly January 15, 2020 at his home in Sterling. Tom was born March 27, 1944 in Canton, Ohio, the son of Lenard and Ester Schwab. He graduated from Rock Falls High School where he lettered in wrestling and track & field (pole vault). He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and pole vaulted on the track team. Post graduation, Tom continued his active lifestyle by competing in wrestling tournaments and track & field meets and placed 1st in the pole vault for the 40 and over age group. Tom served with the Illinois National Guard for six years during the Vietnam war era and was activated for the 1968 Chicago riot and the Mississippi river floods. He was a member of American Legion Post 296. He retired from AT&T after 32 years as a central office technician in 1998. Post retirement, he was employed as a tax preparation consultant with H & R Block and as a lifeguard at the Duis Recreation Center. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, karaoke and motorcycles. He especially looked forward to annual fishing trips with family in Minnesota and Canada. Survivors include sons, Brett (Tracey) of Downers Grove, IL, Ryan of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Emily, Luke and Kaitlyn of Downers Grove, IL; sister Sue (Tom) Ault of Door County, Wisconsin and sister-in law Margie of Michigan. Tom was preceded in death by his daughter Jenny Schwab who also died January 15, 2020; his parents Leonard and Ester Schwab and his brothers Len and Bob. Dual visitation for both Tom and Jenny will be at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10AM to 12PM followed by a memorial service with Pastor Dalmus Meeks, officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial has been established.