Joseph Henry Schwarte was born on January 14, 1947 to Joseph and Helen (Ratigan) Schwarte in Carroll, Iowa. Joseph was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, where he remained a lifelong member. He also attended grade school and high school at St. Peter’s Catholic School.
Joseph found the love of his life when he met Vernita Kloewer. They were united in marriage on April 7, 1973 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. To this union, four kids were born: Darla, Darin, Deana, and Dana. On April 7, 2024 Joe and Vernita celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.
Joseph began his work history when he started working for Western Iowa Pork in Harlan, Iowa. After a short time there, he went on to work at Smithfield in Denison, Iowa for 45 years. He retired in June of 2014. After retirement, he would enjoy morning coffee in town. Then every day he would be gone playing cards for the afternoon. He seldom missed a chance to play cards.
Joe had many hobbies when he was younger, such as playing slow pitch softball, participating in tug-of-war contests, and helping with hog roasts. Later on, he would love to attend all of his children’s sporting events and activities. He even helped coach his son’s pee wee team. He enjoyed being on a bowling leagues and pool league for many years. He then found great joy in attending sporting events and activities for his grandchildren. He very seldom missed an event. When not watching their event’s, he would often be found cheering for other local teams/games. Joe also loved attending stock car races, going camping, and playing card games as often as possible. He loved to joke around and laugh, but also found joy in helping others when and where he could.
On Monday, May 13, 2024 Joseph passed away peacefully at Manning Regional Hospital attaining the age of 77 years, 3 months, and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Schwarte; and siblings, Irene (Ed) Reischel, Harold Schwarte, Eugene (Marilyn) Schwarte, Sr. Madonna Schwarte, Sr. Darlene Schwarte , Thelma (Gordon) Nelson, Michael Schwarte, Dwayne Schwarte.
He is survived by his wife, Vernita Schwarte of Defiance, IA; children, Darla (Joe) Krosko of Omaha, NE, Darin (Adrienne) Schwarte of Knoxville, TN, Deana (Joey) Slater of Breda, IA, Dana Jackson of Marathon, IA; 6 grandchildren, Rhys and Kian Schwarte, Blake, Addison and Colton Slater and Christopher Jackson; siblings, Albert (Gay) Schwarte of Defiance, IA, Karen (Clarence) Brinker of Ankeny, IA, Richard (Myrna) Schwarte of Templeton, IA; sister-in-law Glenda Hall of Defiance, IA; other relatives and friends.