Richard G. Schweitzer
– IN MEMORY OF –
Richard G. Schweitzer
January 6, 1932 – July 11, 2020
We announce the death of another of our founding and beloved members, Rich Schweitzer. Rich passed peacefully at home on July 11, 2020 at the age of 88.
Rich Schweitzer was the epitome of a catholic gentleman. He served our council with devotion and honor for it’s entire 62 years. Rich held many offices during his duty with the Order including serving as Grand Knight twice. He was also a member of the Abraham Lincoln fourth degree assembly.
He will be remembered for his humor, passion and generosity. Rich was known to put everything he could into any challenge that confronted him. It was in the late 1960’s when our council was on the brink of dissolve that Rich and Vince Columbo were asked to lead our the council and bring back to good standing status. Up until just recently, Rich was in charge of the Council Christmas party at Yocchi Country Club.
Richard was a graduate of St. Michael’s in Schererville and Dyer high School. He was a lead inspector for the Pennsylvania Railroad, after which he owned and operated gas stations in the 1960’s. In 1977, he and his wife Jo established Superior Petroleum Products, Superior Fuels and Smart Stop Stores.
Active in the community, Richard served 20 years as an umpire for Little League, Babe Ruth and Senior League. He served on the Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Court House Foundation and on the campaign for the establishment of St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point. He was a member of the Indiana Oil Marketers. A longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Richard served on the church’s building and grounds committee, as a Eucharistic minister and member of the funeral choir. He also was a member of the Bishops Guild with the Diocese of Gary.
in September of 2019, the citizens of Lake County nominated Rich to be the recipient of the Lake County Courthouse Foundation Citizen Patriot Award for his dedication and service to the Crown Point community.
His family was his greatest joy. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, being outdoors, gardening, fishing and playing bridge and pinochle.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Josephine “Jo” (nee Huber) Schweitzer; parents: John and Lauretta (nee Schumacher) Schweitzer; brothers: John, Herbert, Arthur, Vernon and Sylvester Schweitzer; and sons-in-law: Jeff Lane and John Fitzgerald.
He leaves his children: Rick (Jeri) Schweitzer of Lowell, Mary Jo Lane of St. John, Janine (Troy Smith) Fitzgerald of Lowell and Mark (Marisa) Schweitzer of Indianapolis; grandchildren: Vanessa (Mike) Talbert, Valarie (Tony) Batuello, Michael (Caitlyn) Wiltshire, David Wiltshire, Kelly Fitzgerald and her husband Ryan Ortega, Jonathon Fitzgerald and his fiancée Regen Smith, Brianna (Greg) Bernacchi and Adam (Taylor) Schweitzer; seven great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons; sisters: Wilma Smith and Mary O’Drobinak; and many nieces and nephews.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary Catholic Church, with inurnment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Mary Catholic Church, the Crown Point Community Foundation or the Lake Court House Foundation.
Please remember Rich’s family and friends in your prayers.
To view and/or sign Rich’s guestbook please visit www.GeisenFuneralHome.com.