Orville Schwarze

ORVILLE W. SCHWARZE, age 89, of Spencer, passed away peacefully on Christmas day, December 25, 2025, at Colby Senior Care in Colby, WI, under the tender care of St Croix Hospice.  Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, rural Greenwood, WI, with Pastor Asafa Rajaofera officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9am until time of service.  Following Orville’s service, family and friends are invited to gather for fellowship, cherished memories and stories, over lunch in the church basement.

Orville Walter Schwarze was born in Greenwood, WI to Walter J. H. and Margaret E. (Heller) Schwarze on October 19, 1936.  He attended Benjamin Grade School, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1954.  Orville furthered his education at UW-Madison, completing the Farm and Industry Short Course.  He started his career working at Plautz Brothers in Greenwood, and Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, WI.  He was united in marriage to Wanda M. Francel on February 27, 1960 at St. Rose rectory in Milwaukee.  Orville later became employed with Tri-State Breeders in Westby WI, eventually expanding into the Waukon, Iowa area until 1963, when he moved to Spencer WI.  Orville and Wanda built a beautiful life together in Spencer, integrating into the community and building so many lifelong friendships.  Orville created a bond with all of his customers and their families, with his dedication and commitment to his job of 36 years with Tri-State Breeders.

Orville was passionate about all that he did.  He was a lifetime member of Immanuel UCC Church, and served on the Spencer Fire Department for 9 years.  He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gardening, wine making, hunting, fishing and time spent out at his “80”.  Orville cherished time spent with his brother, Roger, working in the woods, and embracing all the beauty nature had to offer.  They spent endless hours making wood, creating an unbreakable brother bond, lunches in the cabin, and stories that would go on forever.  Orville’s kind spirit and cheerful outlook was always present.  He was a friend to all, and he will forever live in our hearts.

Orville is survived by his brother, Roger (Linda) Schwarze of Greenwood, WI; nephews: Steve Schwarze of Lexington, KY, Jeff Schwarze (Brein Maki) of Lewiston, MN, Rick (Christine) Schwarze of Lake Mills, WI, Tom (Nancy) Olson of Milwaukee, WI; brother-in-law, Art Francel of Stevens Point, WI; special friend, Lola Venet, of Withee, WI, and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by parents; his wife, Wanda, on June 14, 2012; his sister, Janet Olson, his sister-in-law, Karen Schwarze; and two nieces: Cindy and Pam.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to St. Croix hospice and to Colby Senior Care.  Orville was so grateful for all the love and care he received in the last year and half as he called Colby Senior Care his “family.”

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.