Bio: Schwantes, Karl Frank (1923 – 2002)

Contact: History Buffs

Surnames: Schwantes, Wayne, Lien, Melim

----Source: Notes derived from the Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, Anchorage County, Alaska) 23 June 2002 & Marshfield News Herald, 25 Jun 2002 P A7 C.1.

----Schwantes, Karl Frank (11 Nov. 1923 – 19 June 2002)

Karl Frank Schwantes was born 11 Nov 1923 in Spencer, Marathon Co., Wisconsin.  He was a graduate of the city high school and later served his country as a member of United States Army, 1st Bomb Division during World War II from 11 Mar. 1943 until 8 Oct. 1945.  He was stationed in the European - African Theater and received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant, decorated with the DFC, European Eastern Campaign Medal and three air medals.

In 1959 he began working with the FAA in Alaska, retiring in 1981.  He was an avid fisherman and gardener who also enjoyed Western movies, being a big fan of John Wayne.  He was a life member of the American Legion, the VFW, member of the 40/8, and a life member of the Elks, Moose Lodge and Chicken Club in Alaska.

The family nick named him "Karl Charlie" and said, "he was a strong-minded person who never lost an argument."  His father, George, died the same year Karl retired.

His siblings George Jr., Donald, Leonard, Elmer, John all died before he did.  His sisters, Vi Lien and Carolyn Melim of Illinois and brothers, Frank of Washington and Bill of Wisconsin were all living when he passed away 19 Jun 2002 at the Providence Extended Care Center in Anchorage, Alaska.  He had lived 78 years.  His memorial service was held at 3 p.m. the following Monday at the Evergreen Memorial Chapel in downtown Anchorage and his ashes were scattered in the "little woods" on the home farm in Spencer, Wisconsin.

Church Records, Trinity Lutheran Church, Spencer, Wisconsin

Schwantes, Karl Frank; Birth: 11 Nov. 1923; Baptismal Date: 18 Nov. 1923; Father: Georg Schwantes; Mother: Louise Wellnitz; Birth/baptism record pg., 136, record # 12; Confirmation: 22 May 1938

Social Security Record

Name: Karl F Schwantes
Birth Date: 11 November 1923
Social Security Number: 396-12-9614
Place of Issuance: Wisconsin
Last Residence: Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska
Zip Code of Last Residence: 99501
Death Date : 19 June 2002
Estimated Age at Death: 79