Joseph Schwab

10/19/1923 - 5/21/2009

SCHWAB, Joseph "Joe" Peter (Age 85) Joe died peacefully early Thursday morning May 21, 2009 at Colonial Court Assisted Living where he was receiving care for Alzheimer's. He was born on October 19, 1923 in Dawson, New Mexico to Peter Schwab of Slovenia Yugoslavia and Mary (Pavlovich) Schwab of Croatia Yugoslavia. He was the second of three children. Joe's sister Ann (Schwab) Sporcich is two years his senior and his brother John Schwab two years his junior. The family moved to the small coal mining town of Roslyn, Washington when Joe was five. After graduating from Cle Elum Roslyn High School in 1942, he enlisted into the Army to serve his country during World War II. Joe was a Private First Class in Company B 312th Engineers Battalion. During his military career Joe was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAMET Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. After the war, Joe moved to Spokane, Washington and attended Spokane Community College where he studied Diesel and Heavy Machinery Mechanics. Joe's career included working for Inland Truck and Diesel, running his own business Schwab's Garage, General Machinery and finally Inland Foundry specializing in diesel engine mechanics until his retirement. Joe and his first wife Dorothy had six children; Joe Michael Schwab, Linda (Schwab) Brown, Steve Schwab, Doug Schwab, Rick Schwab, and Julie (Schwab) West. He married his second wife Betty on November 23rd 1973. He enjoyed stock car racing and was a staple at the Spokane Fairgrounds Raceway for many years. Many auto racers and fans young and old will remember Joe as a longtime sponsor and supporter of auto racing in Spokane. He provided the use of his shop, help, advice, encouragement, and we all miss the great New Year's Eve parties at the shop. Joe is survived by his wife Betty of 35 years, his siblings John and Ann, his six children, and his 5 step-children Denny, Terry, Mike, Kathy, and Pat. He had over 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel. Remembrances may be made to the Inland Northwest Alzheimer's Association at 910 West 5th Avenue, Suite 256, Spokane Washington 99204. Please sign Joe's online guestbook at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to: