Frank C. Schwarz

Frank C. Schwarz, 83, of Newton, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Sunday, May 18, 2025. To respect Frank’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials in his name may be made to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), sent to the family, or left at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.

Frank was born on December 29, 1941, in Newton, to John C. and Mabel (Hammer) Schwarz. He graduated from Newton High School in 1960 and shortly after married Lucy Johnson on June 24, 1960. Frank and Lucy spent a short time in an apartment in Newton, then moved to a farmhouse north of Newton owned by his family. Not long after that, they bought their own farm on T12, still close to his family farm. In the early 80s they added another farm to their operation. They welcomed their son, Scott, on December 8, 1960, and their daughter, Lyndi, on May 24, 1971. They raised their children together on the farm on T12. Frank and Lucy divorced in 1999 after 38 years of marriage. When his mother passed away in 2001, he moved back to his childhood home, where he spent the last years of his life.

Starting out, he briefly worked at The Parsons Company before buying his farm and making that his full-time career. Farming was Frank’s true calling and what he devoted his entire life to. If you were to ask him, he never retired from farming. He found joy in working the land and watching his crops grow year after year. Frank also raised a wide variety of livestock over the years: pigs, sheep, cows, horses and chickens. In the early 80s, in addition to farming, he started working at Des Moines Asphalt driving a truck, and he worked there for over 20 years before retiring.

Frank was deeply connected to his community. He was a member of the FFA Alumni, the Jasper County Farm Bureau, and an antique tractor organization. He was a devoted International Harvester enthusiast, he proudly restored a B Farmall, International Harvester F 20, and 560. He also had a nice collection of International toy tractors that he had collected over many years. He enjoyed trips to Taylor’s Maid-Rite and pancake breakfasts at the Rock Creek Grange. He loved a good breakfast and always enjoyed going out to breakfast with friends or family. He was also known for loving a good, sweet treat. Frank had a steady presence in everyone’s lives and was always ready to lend a hand to family, a friend or neighbor in need. Whether it was helping with a tough job on someone else’s farm, fixing equipment, hauling something, or just showing up when someone needed an extra set of hands, Frank never hesitated. He believed in the value of community and truly lived out the idea that neighbors take care of one another. Everyone knew they could count on him no matter the situation, and his reliability and kindness left a lasting impact on those around him. Frank had a lifelong love for the open road. Whether it was a drive between his farms, a cruise through town, or to visit the Amish communities, where he admired the simplicity and care in their way of life, he simply enjoyed being behind the wheel. He also loved to travel and take long road trips. He explored much of the country, always by road. He visited many states across the West Coast, Midwest, and Southwest, taking scenic routes through places like Washington, New Mexico, California, Texas, Montana, Wyoming and more. He loved the freedom of the road and the adventure of seeing new places on his own terms. In his later years, he continued that tradition by spending winters in Florida at a timeshare he purchased. When he could no longer work the farm hands-on, Frank continued to make his rounds each day, checking on his land and visiting his cows. Though a man of few words, he had a clear sense of how things should be done and wasn’t shy about speaking up when something didn’t meet his standards, which means he was good at being the boss. He also took immense pride in his family. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, whether it was a big holiday gathering, a quick visit, or even just hearing updates about what everyone was up to. He didn’t always say a lot, but his face would light up when he talked about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He quietly celebrated their accomplishments and was always rooting for them in his own steady way. Frank was the kind of man who showed his love through action, by being there, by lending support, and by taking genuine interest in the lives of those he cared about. His family was his legacy, and he was proud of each and every one of them.

Frank will be remembered by his daughter, Lyndi (Brian) Yardley of Newton, and their sons, Jordan (Ryan) Yardley of Ankeny and Nick Yardley of Newton; and by his late son Scott’s daughters, Stephanie (Andre) Parks of Newton and their children, Kaylee, Braelyn, and Charli; Sara (Dave) Whisenand and their children, Cameron, Carleigh, and Cali; and his newly born great great-grandson, Ryker; his sister, Shirley Heck of Newton; sister-in-law, Darlene Schwarz of Baxter; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John C. and Mabel (Hammer) Schwarz, his ex-wife Lucy Schwarz, his son Scott Schwarz, and his brother Cliff Schwarz. Frank’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Amber, and Buffi, and to the staff at Wesley Life Hospice for their compassionate care. They also want to especially recognize hospice volunteer Rex Vehrs for going above and beyond in supporting Frank and his family.