John Karl Gschwind

John Karl Gschwind
(February 9, 1934 – August 29, 2024)
John Karl Gschwind passed away peacefully at his Vero Beach Florida home on August 29 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 90.
The second son of Alfred and Mary Gschwind, John greatly enjoyed recalling his childhood in rural Reedsburg, Wisconsin. He often told tales of his shenanigans with his brothers Ed and Mike, serving Mass, working with his Donahoe grandparents and uncle on the family farm in Dellona and with his cousins on the Terry farm in Baraboo, and how he developed his lifelong passion for all sports.
John went on to attend the University of Notre Dame as a Navy ROTC midshipman where he graduated in 1956 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Between studying and participating in Notre Dame traditions, John met Regina Crane, the love of his life and future bride, at Saint Mary's College. John and Regina married in 1957 and immediately moved to Guam with the Navy.
Within seven years, John and Regina had five children and settled in Appleton, Wisconsin. There, John shared his love for his Catholic faith and the outdoors, including camping, fishing, golf, swimming, and skiing with his children. Despite the demands of his career in the global paper and packaging industry, working in leadership roles at Kimberly-Clark, John Strange Paper Co., Appleton Manufacturing, and Menasha Corporation, John always prioritized making time for family, including frequent trips back to Reedsburg.
John's career eventually took the family to upstate New York where he was a senior executive at Albany International. In that role, he traveled extensively and managed operations on five continents. This afforded John and Regina the opportunity to travel the world and develop lifelong friendships.
When he retired, John and Regina spent time at their homes in Indian River Shores, Florida and Wintergreen, Virginia. They loved entertaining their 10 grandchildren, at the beach and in the mountains, creating wonderful memories for the entire family. He was affectionately called 'Papa' by his grandchildren who all deeply loved and admired him.
After losing his beloved wife Regina in 2016, his later years were spent enjoying precious time with his extended family, including meals with his brother Mike. Nearly every day, he could be found at the Marbrisa swimming pool at 2 pm, where he met up with wonderful neighbors for a swim and conversation, always commenting on how lucky he was to live in "paradise". Saturdays in the fall were reserved for cheering on the Fighting Irish and Sundays were for Mass and enjoying the Green Bay Packers.
John was a dedicated member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach and had a lifelong special devotion to Our Blessed Mother. He joyfully shared this faith with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
John's life was truly centered on faith and family, a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by all.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mary, his loving wife Regina, and his dear son Paul.
John is survived by his brothers Edward Gschwind (Walnut Creek, CA), Michael Gschwind (Sebastian, FL), son John C. Gschwind (Katherine) of Redding, CT, Maria Horvath (Wayne) of Cleveland, OH, Julia Shea (Tim) of Austin, TX, and Clare Skorcz (Chris) of Springfield, IL. His loving grandchildren Emily Woodcock (Tim), Madeleine Ferguson (Palmer), Jack Shea (Annie), Julia Skorcz, Patrick Shea, Andrew Horvath, John Paul Gschwind, Clare Therese Charlton (Michael), Kathleen Shea, and Paul Skorcz; and five great-grandchildren Margot, Patrick, Bridget, Frannie and Maeve.
John's family would like to express their heart-felt gratitude to his wonderful care team who lovingly cared for him in his final three years: Ceci, Nora, Yerika, Selene, and Skylar.
We also want to thank VNA Hospice of Vero Beach, and particularly Nurse Beau, for their passionate care in his final weeks.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, you can honor John's memory by making a donation to a charity of your choice that reflects his commitment to a life of Faith and Family.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 4 at 10am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963. He will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery at the University of Notre Dame at a date to be determined.