Herman J. Schwarz

Sheldon, Iowa

Herman J. Schwarz, age 81, of Sheldon passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center. His funeral mass will be at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheldon with Father Siby Punnoose, officiating.

The family requests Vikings attire be wore at the visitation and or the funeral in honor of Herman.

To View Herman’s livestream, please register at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=367dbda2-6deb-40d0-8760-df3c9d52fa83

Burial with military honors will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation with family present will be from 5 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A rosary will be held at the church at 4:30 P.M. on Tuesday.

Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

IN LOVING MEMORY

HERMAN J. SCHWARZ

BORN

January 5, 1944

Ashton, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

January 2, 2026

Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL MASS

10:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 7, 2026

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; Sheldon, Iowa

Father Siby Punnoose – Officiating

MUSIC

“Angels Calling” – Tenors

Opening: “How Great Thou Art”

Preparation: “Amazing Grace”

Communion: “I’m The Bread Of Life”

“Song Of Farewell”

Closing: “On Eagle’s Wings”

Organist: Laura Wagner 

Cantor: Cassie Olson

CASKET BEARERS

Bob Schwarz 

Bob Vander Bush

Donnie Schwarz 

Jesse Allen

Jordan Allen 

Lucas Chumley

Justin Bellman 

Rick Reisma

FINAL RESTING PLACE

St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery

 Sheldon, Iowa

Military Rights Presented by:

McGlothlen – Cowie Post of the Sheldon American Legion

After today’s graveside service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.

Herman Joseph Schwarz, the son of Martin F. “Ole” and Delores (Breuer) Schwarz was born on January 5, 1944, on the family farm near Ashton, Iowa. He received his grade school education from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Ashton and attended Sheldon High School until enlisting in the United States Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1966. On October 21, 1975, Herman was united in marriage to Dorothy Van Riesen in Arizona. Herman worked for Knutson Construction for over 35 years and was a member of the union for 45 years. After his retirement he continued to work various jobs. Herman passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by his family at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 27 days.

Herman was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheldon. He enjoyed gardening, camping, hunting, and fishing. He also broke and rode horses, was an avid Vikings fan, but most of all loved his family dearly.

Left to cherish Herman’s memory are his wife, Dorothy Schwarz of Sheldon; children, Elizabeth Smith of Sanborn, Iowa, Robert Schwarz of Ashton, Iowa, Karla (Bob) Vander Bush of Sheldon, Michelle Lynn (Rick) Reisma of Sioux Center, Iowa, Tonya Joy (Justin) Bellman of Omaha, Nebraska, and Meranda Joy (Lucas) Chumley of Marcus, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; sister, Geri (Jim) Konz of Hospers, Iowa; brothers and sisters-in-law, Evelyn "Pickle" (Pete) Kroese, Henri (Ray) Schnurr, Mary Abels, Marvin (Deanna) Van Riesen, Kelly Van Riesen and Tootie Van Riesen; also, other relatives and friends.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Beverly (Vernon) Rozeboom, Phyllis (Dale) Harbst, Norma (Dean) Siekeman, Joyce (Ernie) Paulson, and Donald Schwarz and brothers-in-law, Dean, Art, Merril, and Alvin Van Riesen and Gordy Abels.