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BORN
1932
DIED
2017
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Don Schwenneker Obituary
1932-2017
Don L. Schwenneker, born April 21, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa, has passed away on December 19, 2017 at the age of 85 years. Before his retirement, Don spent 35 years flying for Delta Airlines. His passions included his family, friends, golf and of course, flying. He definitely believed in living life to the fullest. Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Schwenneker. Also, left to be remembered by is his son, Jon Schwenneker. The family would like to thank Brookdale and Hospice Plus for their dedication in Don's care. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Schwenneker
Sponsored by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
January 1, 2018
Just to hear the name, Don Schwenneker makes me smile and remember the crazy antics that he was always up to that made every flight with him fun. So glad I was IAH based to have experienced such a unique guy. My prayers for the family.
January 1, 2018
My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your lost. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you. 1 peter 5: 6,7
Marguerite (Marge) Pons
January 1, 2018
The words that ring so true and clearly while going through the other remembrances, were FUN, Great sense of humor, and Super Pilot from IAH. One day, not too long ago, Mac McBride were doing our usual Delta in IAH during the 70's chat over some bourbon while Lynda, his wife and one of my dearest friends, just listens, smiles or leave the room for something other than our repeat performances, leaving us to talk about the 'good ol' days' and Don's name always comes up. Don kept things light, lively, happy and made the passengers feel as if they knew him by the time we arrived @ the destination. What a wonderful person to give us all so many wonderful memories!
John Steijger
January 1, 2018
Donny
From our Delta class of '56, to our adventures in MIA during our early years,to the present,it's been a great ride!
God speed Old Friend!
John
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December 31, 2017
I had the true pleasure to work with Don too in IAH and as everyone knows he was one of a kind, and those that knew him are blessed to have had that experience, I was able to play quite a bit of golf with Don over the years also an experience. Dons gin games at Champions locker room are a treat to watch, rest easy now my friend you deserve it.
RJ McClure
Crew sked Iah
Ray Barnes
December 31, 2017
One of my all time favorite Captain. Never a dull moment. As a new guy in Houston Don always treated all the newbies God Speed. Ray Barnes
Don Steinway
December 30, 2017
I always looked forward to flying with Don. You knew you were in for one helluva trip! He was truly a Delta legend.
Sharon Hankins
December 29, 2017
I started flying in 1970 and spent many enjoyable years in IAH. Shwenneker was the best Captain! The passengers loved him! He took such good care of us. Don was an extraordinary person and a wonderful representative of Delta. Thank you for all the wonderful years and memories Don!
Sharon Hankins
December 29, 2017
I started flying out of Houston in 1970. I was young and nervous. Schwenneker was the best Captain and made all my trips enjoyable and safe. He was an extraordinary Captain and made our job so much more enjoyable! Thank you for the memories Don...you will be missed!
Becky Bearden
December 29, 2017
Don was just the BEST! Soo much fun to fly with, and one of the very best pilots to ever wear a Delta Airlines uniform. I will remember him fondly forever. I am a retired flight attendant who flew with him for many many years. Rest in peace Captain.
Betsy Kirk winters
December 29, 2017
Don was the best!! I had an injury on a layover in FLL while the whole crew was out for dinner. Couldn't walk back so he carried me (I only weighed about 95lbs then!!) What a great guy! Always a smile and a good word!! Great man!!!
Melanie Marsac
December 29, 2017
I loved flying with Don. He had a terrific sense of humor and always had us laughing. He really is a legend to those of us that had the opportunity to fly with him. I am sad to hear he has died, he was one of Delta's finest.
Lynn Moss Englert
December 29, 2017
I started my Delta career as a flight attendant in 1962 in IAH and enjoyed so many FUN flights with Schwenneker. I remember one in particular when he insisted I eat escargot!
When I worked in the flight attendant office in IAH next door to the pilot office I enjoyed hearing his happy voice on a regular basis.
Thanks for so many happy memories Don, and may you rest in peace.
Ron Mahan
December 29, 2017
Don was one of the great guys to fly with out of IAH. Always laughing and making sure that his crew enjoyed going to work. When we were going to carry Jimmy Carter out of DCA, he said that he knew him. We did not believe him but when Carter got on board and saw Don he said (laughing) "Oh no - you again!" Don's reply - "Hi Jimmy."
Carlotta Schmittgen (nee Williams)
December 29, 2017
Loved flying with Don! Even in the worst of weather situations and reroutes, he kept his humor. Passengers loved his PAs. The IAH base has lost a GREAT legend.
Cathy Cone
December 29, 2017
Don was one of the funniest guys I ever had the pleasure of flying with. He truly lived life to the fullest and will always be remembered by so many as a great pilot and wonderful, funny, happy go lucky guy that always had a smile on his face.
Rest In Peace Don, you will be missed!
Cathy Cone
Delta Flight Attendant
December 29, 2017
Whenever I would board a flight and saw it was schhwenneker I would think oh boy,this is going to be a memorable flight.
He was always one of my favorite pilots to fly with.
Susan Pruett. Delta flt att 1972-2012.
Mac McBride
December 29, 2017
Don was my favorite captain in IAH. Always a pleasure to fly with and the FE's even got some stick time.! He will be missed but the memories last forever .
PAUL WILLIS
December 29, 2017
ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS HUMOR AND VIVACIOUS SPIRIT, AND TO SAY THE LEAST A GREAT CHARACTER.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GREAT TIMES ON THE GOLF TRIPS. ALL THE BEST TO GINNY AND YOUR FAMILY
Frank Morse
December 29, 2017
Don was a great pilot,a golfing buddy and joy to fly with. I wish I could have kept touch with him. Unfortunately the airline industry sometimes makes that difficult. One of my best memories of Delta was with Don. I'm sorry for your loss. Frank Morse
Richard Warner
December 29, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about Don's passing. I was also in the September F/E class with him and a whole bunch of other great guys who have flown west. Enjoy flying with your new wings, Don.
Jack McEncroe
December 29, 2017
Flying with Don can be summed in one word, FUN! He was a oner and we treasure the memories.
God Speed old friend!!!
Jack and Anita McEncroe
Steamboat Springs, CO
Max Livingston
December 28, 2017
Don and I were in the same Delta flight engineer class of September 1956. Don was a unique and greatly liked member of the Delta family. I shall truly miss him and always treasure my association with him during our careers at Delta. Calm winds and a smooth flight to the other shore, Don.
Harold Bearden
December 28, 2017
I enjoyed a number of rounds of golf with Don. What a pleasure! He was a great guy!!
Jim Connally
December 28, 2017
Although I was a Delta pilot based in Houston, I never flew with Don, but I heard many stories of what a pleasure he was to fly with. Since he lived on the same street as my brother on the Champions golf course, I played golf with him many times and shared many stories of the great job we had in common. He was definitely one of a kind. RIP.
Jeanne Ballard
December 28, 2017
I always enjoyed flying with Don when I was based in IAH , loved his sense of humor.
Tim Eby
December 28, 2017
Don was a true IAH legend. He lived life to the fullest, indeed.
Eric Elbel
December 28, 2017
Godspeed Don. Thanks for the memories.
(Houston - 60's - 70's)
Jim Hourin
December 28, 2017
I flew many flights with Don as his CV880 Engineer in Houston. He was a wonderful pilot and a wonderful guy. God Speed, Don. We loved you.
December 28, 2017
Don was a pleasure to fly with. Always a gentleman. Goodbye my friend.
Dave Harris, Houston, 1970's
Jim Miller
December 28, 2017
I worked with Don for many years in Houston. As a crew scheduler it was always a pleasure to see him come into the office. Always pleasant.
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