Daniel Edward Schweikert, 88, of Monona, Iowa passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was born in Guttenberg, IA January 22, 1932 to Theodore Jefferson and Ila Hermina Eckart Schweikert. He was baptized December 24, 1932 by Reverend James Sopko with his parents as sponsors. The family moved to Monona in the early 1940s. He was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church June 9, 1946 by Pastor R. C. Schlueter. He graduated from Monona High School on May 24, 1950 and pursued two years of college.
He was a veteran, drafted by the U. S. Army and served his country for two years, 1952-1954 during the Korean War.
After his honorable discharge, Dan became manager of Commercial Credit Financing Company in Des Moines, IA. He was united in marriage to Joanita Anne Blumhagen on June 5, 1955 by Pastor R. C Schlueter. Five years later on June 5, Tobin joined the family, followed by Jenny in 1966.
In December, 1958 Dan joined Central Life Assurance Company then moved back to Monona. In September, 1974 he proudly received his CLU credentials. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 25 years, National Quality Award recipient for 26 years, and NSAA for 25 years. In 1984 he was given the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by Central Life. Dan was Cabinet Member for 19 years, Senior Senate for 8 and Senate for 10 years.
Central Life merged with other companies throughout the years. Dan worked as a life insurance agent for more than 50 years. In 1965-66 he was president of Northeast Iowa Association Life Underwriters. Dan was Man of the Year 1965, 1966, 1969 and 1971 and received the GMAC Central Financial Group Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Dan and Jo were fortunate to travel to many states and countries as a result of his achievements.
He received his private pilot’s license in 1957. One of his memorable moments was taking Tobin to the EAA Convention in Oshkosh, WI and camping under the wing of their plane. He offered many local youngsters (including his grandchildren) the experience of flying so they could become members of the Young Eagles program. Dan was affiliated with EAA many years, once holding the office of president. He and Jo attended many Sunday fly-in breakfasts in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Dan is remembered as being a family man, never missing a baseball or softball game and being involved with his children’s activities. His appreciation of nature and the outdoors has carried over to his children as they will cherish memories of hiking, canoeing, searching for arrowheads, flying and viewing eagles.
He was president of St. Paul Lutheran Church and very active in church and was a sponsor of Luther League. Dan was extremely active in his community, as emcee of the Miss Northeast Iowa pageant for many years and a member of the Jaycees.
He was a great asset to Northeast Iowa through dedicated hard work, not only in the insurance business, but also in his community. He cherished the friendships he made through his lifetime career.
Dan is survived by his wife Jo, of 64 years, son Tobin of Grain Valley, MO and daughter Jenny Gilbertson of Des Moines, IA; sister Nancy Hubacher, brother-in-law Ray Suckow; four grandchildren, Jordan (Kandice) Sanders, Holly Gilbertson, Bailey Gilbertson (Nick), and Kelsey Schweikert; two greatgrandchildren, Paige Sanders and Beau Bush. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father in 1971 and mother in 1976, sister Diane in 2001, nephew Timothy Hubacher in 2001, brother-in-law Robert Hubacher in 2014, sister-in-law Joanne Suckow in 1983, brother-in-law Ron Blumhagen in 1995, and sister-in-law Bernie Blumhagen in 2012.
A Celebration of Life remembering Daniel Schweikert will be held from 2-4 pm on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Faith Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Mel Harris as the officiant.
Due to Covid-19, we ask everyone to continue physical distancing and wear a mask if you plan on attending.
There was a Private Funeral held for the family on May 22, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cards of sympathy can be mailed to Jo Schweikert at P.O. Box 216, Monona, Iowa 52159.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.