William J. Schwarzkopf

On Friday, March 16, 2018, William passed from this worldly realm to await the return of Jesus; Lord, Savior, and Master; for resurrection and reunion with loved ones awaiting that glorious day.

At five years of age, William immigrated with his family, from Germany to the United States.  After graduating from high school and a short work period, he entered the United States Army during WWII and after training was sent to the European Theater of Operations; specifically England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.  His service was mainly with the 84th Infantry Division as a company aid man (Medic).  War operations included crossing the Rhine River, penetration of the Siegfried Fortified Line and rapid shuttle to the Ardennes to help contain the Battle of the Bulge.  While on night patrol in the rough, wintery Ardennes, he was injured and air evacuated to a hospital in England.  After recovery, he met and in 1945 married his beloved English war bride, Elsie-the greatest blessing of his life.  After leave he returned to his unit in Germany until the end of the war.

After three years and on month of Army service, he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946.  He then pursued education and employment with E.I. DuPont Co.  He attended the Drexel Institute of Technology and graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree.  In addition he was a licensed Stationary Steam Engineer. 

At E.I. DuPont Co., he started as a laboratory technician and progressed to Laboratory Supervisor and on to Plant Supervisor.  He retired from DuPont after 34 years of service.  During his DuPont years, he participated in the construction, start-up and operation of five chemical plants in four states; Ohio, Texas, New Jersey and North Carolina.

After retiring from E.I. DuPont, he continued working in a consulting engineering capacity for 16 years.

William attended Oakdale United Methodist Church where he served as church bus driver, Sunday school teacher, choir member, service son leader and liturgist, treasurer and chairman of the board of administration.  He had complete faith in God, Creation, Grace, Salvation, Eternal life and Heaven.

William is survived by his daughters, Ruth (James) Ruckman and Janet Schwarzkopf; grandchildren:  Jill (Craig) Beasley, Sherry Esmond, William (Clair) Ruckman, Dr. Andrea (Tim) Toflinski, Joshua (Ciara) Ruckman, Sabrene (Kyle) Clair, Jessica (Matt) Miller and Sarah (Jason) Mendoza; 18 great-grandchildren and brother, Karl Schwarzkopf.  He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Elsie; daughter, Susan Pozzuoli; grandson, Steve Pozzuoli; 2 sisters and 3 brothers and close in-laws.

A memorial gathering will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon. A special thank you is given to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio where memorial contributions can be directed.

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