Obituaries
Obituary for Dr. Gerald J. "Jerry" Schwab
Dr. Gerald J. “Jerry” Schwab, of Peoria, Illinois passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the age of 96.
Jerry was born in Harlan, Iowa in 1925 to Casper and Isabel (Munchrath) Schwab. Following his 1946 graduation from Ursinus College, Jerry went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1949. Dr. Schwab served in the Korean War as a Battalion Surgeon. Jerry’s display of heroism and selfless acts during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir was recognized when he received one of the highest military decorations, the Silver Star. After Dr. Schwab’s service in the Korean War, he was certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1954, leading to a career as member of the honoring staff at OSF St. Francis Hospital until his retirement in 1995. It was only a few short years following his board certification that Jerry married Mary Reed Nelson, in 1958, with whom he shared a long life with their four children. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and one sister, Rosemary Janowski of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Surviving are three sons, James Nelson Schwab of St. Louis, Missouri (Nancy), John Nelson Schwab of St. George, Utah (Denise), Bill Schwab of Bangor, Pennsylvania, and one daughter, Mary Schwab Taylor (Rob) of Lynchburg, Virginia. Jerry was also blessed to have ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren, all of whom brought him much joy. Jerry will be missed by his family, friends, and community.
Jerry’s family would like to give special thanks to their oldest brother, Jim, who was there for our Dad for many years and showed him love, support and kindness, so our Dad could stay in his home. We would also like to thank his neighbor, Kevin Carrigan, who helped care for our Dad, during his last year. Kevin was a wonderful caregiver and a good friend to Jerry. A special thanks to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, who cared for Jerry in his final days.
A private family service was held with entombment at Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorials may be sent to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
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Jerry was born in Harlan, Iowa in 1925 to Casper and Isabel (Munchrath) Schwab. Following his 1946 graduation from Ursinus College, Jerry went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1949. Dr. Schwab served in the Korean War as a Battalion Surgeon. Jerry’s display of heroism and selfless acts during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir was recognized when he received one of the highest military decorations, the Silver Star. After Dr. Schwab’s service in the Korean War, he was certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1954, leading to a career as member of the honoring staff at OSF St. Francis Hospital until his retirement in 1995. It was only a few short years following his board certification that Jerry married Mary Reed Nelson, in 1958, with whom he shared a long life with their four children. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and one sister, Rosemary Janowski of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Surviving are three sons, James Nelson Schwab of St. Louis, Missouri (Nancy), John Nelson Schwab of St. George, Utah (Denise), Bill Schwab of Bangor, Pennsylvania, and one daughter, Mary Schwab Taylor (Rob) of Lynchburg, Virginia. Jerry was also blessed to have ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren, all of whom brought him much joy. Jerry will be missed by his family, friends, and community.
Jerry’s family would like to give special thanks to their oldest brother, Jim, who was there for our Dad for many years and showed him love, support and kindness, so our Dad could stay in his home. We would also like to thank his neighbor, Kevin Carrigan, who helped care for our Dad, during his last year. Kevin was a wonderful caregiver and a good friend to Jerry. A special thanks to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, who cared for Jerry in his final days.
A private family service was held with entombment at Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorials may be sent to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Events
Event Information
Services are private.
Cemetery Details
Location
Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleum
7519 N Allen Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
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