David “Dave” Schwartz

David “Dave” Schwartz, 48, of Lewellen passed away early Saturday morning February 9, 2019 as a result of an automobile accident.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday February 16, 2019 at the Lewellen Tiger Den with Pastor Brenda Tophoj, PMA officiating.  Services will conclude at the Tiger Den.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Schwartz family.

The reason we’re all here today is to remember and say we’ll see you on the other side to Dave.   If we were looking at his headstone, it would say David Lynn Schwartz.   January 5, 1971 – (dash) February 9, 2019.   Son of Glen and DeEtta Schwartz.  Father of Chelse, Diesel and LeDoux.  But, that’s not Dave.  The things that made Dave, Dave are in the dash, and we’re here because of the dash... everything that happened between those two dates... that’s what made Dave...Dave.

If you asked Chelse, Diesel, or LeDoux, they’d tell you an important part of the dash was all about family.  Dave cherished his kids.  He took care of them the very best he could, even when he did it alone.  He told them, no matter what’s going on, as long as we’re together, we’re going to be okay; and life’s too short, don’t sweat the little things.  He loved talking on the phone.  He seemed to have a sixth sense when Chelse wanted to hang up... that’s when he’d start singing knowing Chels just couldn’t bring herself to hang up on her dad.  He adored his kids.  Look at your program.  He is one proud dad.  Whatever they wanted to do, he’d find a way to participate, either by becoming a coach or cheering from the stands.  Generally, where you’d find Dave, you’d find the boys.  Boating on the lake was a must, and he and his granddaughter, Lauren, always had to get the tube out, even though they knew it would darn near give Chelse a heart attack.  He always looked forward to taking the boys, Bruce, and Brucey deer hunting.

Not only did he take care of the family of his blood, but he was a mother hen to the family of his choice.  Sharleen Sullivan says he was always there when they needed him.  For instance, last Friday she called Dave because she and Justin couldn’t get away from work and Kayleen had a flat tire.  He dropped whatever he was doing and went.  He changed the tire.  He didn’t scold Kayleen, he simply gave her a hug, and told her he was proud of her.  By the way, he was also known to have threatened to shoot her boyfriend’s balls off.  Isn’t that just Dave?

Kayleen’s sister says Dave made life fun.  He made her dad laugh like no one else.  He could make riding through parades entertaining and cutting wood exciting.  Tileen says Dave gave his heart and soul to helping others.  She says he helped shape her and her sister into the people they are today.

Spencer Leach says he was a coach, always like an uncle he never had, and one of the toughest men he ever met.  Dave showed Spencer how to hunt and clean a deer.  Dave was there for Spencer’s family when he was under no obligation.  He wasn’t always perfect, but he was honest, hardworking, and he knew who he was.

Dave’s dash has music.   Family will tell you Rhinestone Cowboy brings back memories of a little boy in his underwear standing on the bed singing that song at the top of his lungs... and every time that 45 would spin, it was center stage for David Schwartz.  He rarely just hummed a tune, but he belted it out, even as a grown man, he couldn’t help himself- a song comes on he loves, and the whole world was gonna hear that boy sing.    

He was always ready to dance- one of those rare men who truly loved to dance, but you better hang on because you are in for a time. 

His dash holds affection.  When Dave hugged you, he huuuuggged you....  with his whole self, he wrapped you up in his arms and just loved on you.  He was always that way... a little boy who loved loves, and that never changed.  He was always touching, patting, or putting his arm around you.  His capacity to love was huge.  He even loved you when you didn’t love yourself.  He wouldn’t stop.  He’d love you through it.  As a side note, Dave would say that giving you a wet willie was being loving too, but there are some here who would disagree... strongly.

Dave’s dash has a sense of humor.  He was known for smart ass remarks which he felt were very funny, and when he was tickled, he had that hehehehehe giggle that was hilarious all by itself.  If you listen, can’t you hear it?  The man loved nicknames.   Here’s a couple examples of his creativeness:  Lou-Lou, Do-ee, DC, Nummy, and Lissy.

Erica Fassler says:  I wanted to share a favorite nickname that Dave always called me... Ernie The last time I saw him was at my Uncle Gene’s funeral last March. It was great seeing Dave and he immediately made a b line to me, gave me a Big Hug and called me Ernie He was such a happy person and would have done anything for anyone!! You guys were like family and I will forever hold those memories of Dave and the rest of you in my heart. 

His dash has skills.  That guy could fix, build, or find his way around anything… a house, a car, a horse, a cow.  If you were to pick someone to be stranded on a desert island- he would be the choice... if you could take his teasing and singing.

His friends and neighbors say:

• His grin lit up the entire room.
• When I moved to the south table, Dave and I had a rough start, but his friendship proved invaluable. Whenever I needed help, he was there with a smile and a helping hand.
• Dave and I won the wild horse race at the Garden County Fair. That started off a 20 year rodeo career.  He was a man of many trades, a very proud father, a proud redneck who never met a stranger and touched many hearts. 
• Daver was a big soul stuffed in a small package.
• Even when he was upset, he still smiled and found the good.
• He was a man who worked his butt off for his family.
• He lived life to the fullest and was happy go lucky.
• He always had a big adventure that was going to make lots of money.
• He had big dreams!
• If he liked you, you were loved. If he didn’t, come on Barbie, let’s go party.
• There’s nothing the man wouldn’t do for you, that’s just who he was.
• Always there to help a guy in a bind.
• He was one of the best crazy cowboys I ever had the pleasure of knowing.
• The thing I loved about Dave is no matter where you were, he always spoke. He never met a stranger no matter who he was with.  The world needs more like Dave.
• What I’ll miss most is seeing his shit eating grin, the one that said he was up to something, or just about to be.

Our legacy is found in that dash between two numbers.  Dave’s was full. 

Dave told his good friend, Justin Sullivan, he was going to be young forever.  I guess he was right.

David “Dave” Schwartz, 48, of Lewellen passed away early Saturday morning February 9, 2019 as a result of an automobile accident. 

He leaves behind his kids: Chelse and husband Bruce, Diesel, and LeDoux, grandkids: Lauren and Brucey.  mom and stepdad:  DeEtta and Bob Swanson, Sisters:  Cindee (Terry)Kreutzer, DeDe Matthews (Jim Holder), brother: Ron Schwartz (KarNel Haldeen), sister-in-law: Jeannie Schwartz, granny: Betty Tophoj, his love- Molly Raymer, and and lots of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his daughter- Jessica, his dad- Glen, his grandpas- Erwin Tophoj and Fred Schwartz, and his grandma- Ida Schwartz.

A memorial has been established at the Bank of Lewellen, PO Box 248, Lewellen, NE  69147.  Please make your check payable to The Dave Schwartz Memorial.