John B. Schwanbeck

Born in Saginaw, MI on November 1, 1941 to the late Carl and Dorothy (Ball) Schwanbeck, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School. He attended both Olivet College and Ferris State University where he found what he wanted to do to in finance and marketing. He worked with his family at Swan Ice Cream in the storage part of three businesses they owned. Most people thought the family was in the ice cream business only, but John was in charge of sending government food to schools in eleven different counties in Michigan. The family later sold the businesses to the city of Saginaw. John then found a position with Proctor and Gamble where he worked until retirement. He still maintained his CDL and his real estate license just in case. John spent eight years serving in the U.S. Army National Guard where he ended his service as First Lieutenant. He was active duty in the Detroit Riots for three weeks where he received federal recognition for his service.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a loving and devoted member of his church, St. Thomas Aquinas. He was a blood donor, and member of the eight gallon club. His selflessness continued even after his passing, by being an organ donor, saving many lives. John loved his cottage on Lake Huron, and loved even more creating memories there with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend, who always took time to care for and connect with people. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet him knew two things for certain: they could count on John and that he loved his wife more than life itself.

John leaves to cherish his memory his wife Carol Ann (Kempf) Schwanbeck of 61 years, their children: Amy (Mark) Lapain, E.J. (Shannon) Schwanbeck, Leslie (Jason) Sedlak, grandchildren: Andrew Lapain, Dylan Diem, Morgan Schwanbeck, Tanner Sedlak, Miri Sedlak, Catelyn Sedlak, his sister Janet Schwanbeck, brother Carl Schwanbeck Jr., his sister-in-law Nancy (James) Benjamin, and brother-in-law Martin Kempf and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral liturgy will take place at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate with burial to follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday and on Monday at church from 12:00 noon until the time of the funeral liturgy. Memorial contributions may be made to Saginaw Community Foundation-Kempf Music Scholarship or Save a Heart Foundation. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com