Philip W Schwab's Obituary
Philip W Schwab, age 76, of Oshkosh, died Saturday December 17, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center with his family by his side after complications from ALS. He was born in Oshkosh on November 21, 1940 the son of the late Ervin and Lola (Pleuss) Schwab. Phil married Ann Schmitt on November 7, 1964 at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Oshkosh. Phil attended Ripon College and UW-Oshkosh. Upon graduation Phil was employed at Mercury Marine in the drafting department and he founded Winnebago Power Products. Later his drive as an entrepreneur would take off when he and his brother took over from their father in 1968 the operation of Duo Safety Ladder Corporation in Oshkosh and Phil later became sole owner/operator in 1981. This career move would be his greatest joy and established him as a key member for FAMA (Fire Apparatus Manufacturing Assoc.), NFPA (National Fire Protection Assoc.) and countless other Associations in the Fire Service. Phil’s entrepreneurial spirit continued into retirement when he started Omro RV Campground in Omro. He enjoyed traveling, racing boats, building boats and was a member of (APBA) American Power Boat Association, and a life member of the Elk’s Club. Later as semi-retired he and Ann would spend their winters in FL on Pine Island and summers in WI.
Phil is survived by his wife of 52 years; Ann Schwab, of Omro, three daughters; Kristen (Jeff) Hands, Omro, Sandra (Randy) Vandersee, Oshkosh, Elizabeth (David) Stender, Oshkosh, five grandchildren; Stephanie Hands, Denver CO., Alex, Sarah Vandersee, Oshkosh, Andrew, Bryan Stender, Oshkosh, one niece, Susan (Paul) Hanson, two nephews; Richard (Amy) Schwab, and Peter (Kristin) Schwab. He is further survived by many other relatives and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother; Richard Schwab.
Funeral services for Phil will be held at Fiss & Bills –Poklasny Funeral Home (865 S Westhaven Dr. – Oshkosh WI) on Friday December 30, at 11:00 AM with the Rev Jerry Taddy officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral on Friday from 10:00 AM until the hour of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with the ALS foundation of Wisconsin in Phil’s name and donations can be made online at: http://webwi.alsa.org/goto/schwab
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