Lester Schwarm

Lester W. Schwarm, 89, of Wausau died Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born October 22, 1922 in Wausau, the son of Frank and Anna (Paulman) Schwarm. Les married Faye L. Birt June 19, 1946 in Wausau.

Les served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th and 326th Glider Infantry Regiment. He participated in the Airborne Invasion of Holland, The Battle of the Bulge, met the Russian Army at the Elbe River, and was part of the Occupation Army in Berlin, Germany.

His decorations and citations included, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars and one Arrow-head, Victory Medal WW II, Army Occupation Medal and the Bronze Star. Three Army Overseas Bars and one Army Hash Mark.

Les was a life member of the U. B. of Carpenters, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The 82nd Airborne Association, The 325th Glider Infantry Association and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Inc. Les worked as a carpenter and construction Superintendent in the area. He traveled to many Airborne Activities here in the United States and Europe. Hobbies include riding and driving horses. He worked with the Wausau Hospital Charity Horse Shows for ten years using his Carpenter skills in supplying the beautiful jumps.

Survivors include his wife, Faye of Wausau; two sons, Michael (Jolene) Schwarm of Sobieski, WI and David (Paula) Schwarm of Wausau; two daughters, Tamara Halbesleben (Dave Braasch) of Wausau and Sarah (Stan) Sobiesczyk of Wausau; eight grandchildren, Jenny Van Dreel (Dean), Justin Schwarm (Bryn Lydzinski), Jordan Schwarm, Matthew Halbesleben, Laura Halbesleben (Mark Menke), R.C. Wichlidal (Erin Kizewski), Dani Wichlidal, Kyle Krzesinski; two step-grandchildren, Brad and Ryan Baum; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Schwarm, C.J. Van Dreel, Hunter Halbesleben and Nolan Schwarm; one step great-grandchild, Mercedes Dumas; and one sister, Lois Freiberg of Wausau. Les was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and two Brothers, Elmer and Verdon.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, Grant and Sixth St., Wausau, with the Reverend Ted B. Gulhaugen officiating. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 beginning at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and again on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 am at the church until the time of service. Entombment will be in Restlawn Gardens of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Wausau.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Never Forgotten Honor Flight, Alzheimer Disease Research, American Diabetes or Arthritis Foundation.

Online condolences may be given at www.helke.com.