Paul Andrew Schwartz, 83, of New Plymouth, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side, Nov. 28, 2011 after a long battle with kidney and heart failure. A viewing for family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland, with Rosary services beginning at 7 p.m. Mass of a Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 5th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Fruitland. Interment will follow at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Condolences may be made to Paul's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
Paul was born in Cottonwood, ID to Mike and Lottie (Drube) Schwartz where he grew up working on the family farm and learning a dedicated work ethic. He was the ninth of 10 children and went to Catholic School with his brothers and sisters. Paul served two years in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with many medals and commendations for his service. He married Arlene Schneider in 1957 and they started their family. Paul worked in the Lumber Mill at Grangeville but always wanted to milk cows. When he got the opportunity to work for a dairyman he moved his family to New Plymouth in 1961 and the rest is history. Eventually with his hard working determination he started a dairy of his own. He always had a talent for improving and beautifying any place he lived. He had beautiful crops and beautiful cows and took particular care of both. Sadly Arlene died of leukemia in 1971 and he lost his oldest daughter, Michelle in a car accident shortly before Arlene died. That left Paul with three children and a farm to manage. He met and married Lola Mae Grace in 1976 putting two families together. They had many challenges but had the same love of family, farming, and dairying; accomplishing many goals and thoroughly enjoying their life together. Paul was a very special person, always helping out his neighbors and friends. When he got kidney failure he loved teasing and giving his little nurses a bad time. He had a beautiful and enduring attitude about life. He accepted all the health issues with courage and was on dialysis for almost 11 years. He was very self-disciplined and learned to give up many foods and things he loved, to stay healthy. He loved to tease his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all had favorite memories of his nicknames and songs he sang them that he learned as a child. He is going to be so missed and leaves a big hole in our hearts. He leaves behind his wife and care giver, Lola; seven children, Rick Schwartz (Linda), Terri Aullman, Randy Branstetter (Debby), Kim Branstetter (Carrol), Trina Knot (Bob), Tammy Ray, Chris Branstetter (Shawna); many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many friends and relatives. The family would like to thank all the dialysis nurses for their caring hearts. They helped Paul get thru so many years with a tomorrow attitude.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a favorite Christmas program for the needy, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.