Paul David Schwenk, 54, of La Porte, passed away at 6 PM on Sunday, May 29, 2016 after a 2 year battle with cancer.
He was the youngest of eight children, born in Bertha, MN on May 17, 1962 to the late Rev. Ward Jacob and Fatima Alberta (Slagle) Schwenk. Paul was self-employed as a construction worker in the La Porte area for many years.
Paul was of German ancestry (5th generation); his relatives immigrated to the United States in the 1850's. As a young boy he spent summers at Camp J.I.M. and developed a love of the outdoors and travel. He attended schools in Minnesota, Missouri, and Indiana; and lived for a time with his older brother, John, in Soldotna, Alaska, where he learned the craft of making turquoise jewelry.
Surviving are his sisters: Doris Schwenk and Mary (William) Pearce of La Porte; brothers: Dale G; John A. and Mark W. both of La Porte; nieces and nephews: Karla, Berene, Stephen, Sarah, Charlene, Tiffany, and Ramon; and numerous cousins.
Preceding him in death are his parents, grandparents; infant sister, Lois; nephew, Shannon; sister, Jane and her husband Sid Thompson, brothers-in-law, Benjamin Wondergem and Daniel McKowen, several aunts and uncles.
A Remembrance of Life Service will be held at 1PM on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Heckman Cemetery, Hesston.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, c/o Doris Schwenk, 2900 Monroe St, La Porte, IN 46350. Donations will go to promote youth programs at Camp J.I.M. (Jesus Is Mine).
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.