Francis Joseph Schiwal

Our loving husband, father, and papa, Francis Joseph Schiwal, 81, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, due to age-related natural causes.  He was born on June 25, 1936, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Joseph and Katherine Schiwal, and grew up on the family farm near Gladstone, North Dakota.  He was the second youngest of 11 children.

He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1956 and began work with the U.S. Postal Service in 1957.  He retired from the Postal Service in 1992.  While in Salt Lake City, he met Shirley Curtis, and they were married on August 30, 1958.  Francis and Shirley have five children and lived in the Salt Lake valley until moving to Layton, Utah, in 2003.  He enjoyed traveling, dancing to polka music in his younger days, playing cards, and creating decorative and useful items out of wood.  We are all very fortunate to have some of these wonderful creations in our homes.

Francis is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Kathy Ferguson, Salt Lake City, Utah; Theresa Johnson, Salt Lake City, Utah; Fred (Sheila) Schiwal, Stevensville, Montana; Frank (Danielle) Schiwal, Layton, Utah; and Barbara (Brian) Turner, Riverdale, Utah; as well as one sister, Joanne Todd, Omaha, Nebraska; and sisters-in-law, Leona Schiwal and Martha Schiwal, Dickinson, North Dakota, and Ione Senn and SueAnn Curtis, Salt Lake City, Utah.  He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, infant Karl, Joseph, Anton, Carl, Mike, John, and Paul; sisters, Katherine Huschka and Rose Marie Huschka; brothers-in-law, Al Huschka, Peter Huschka,  Gerald Todd, Lynn Hill, Bud Senn, Neil Curtis, and Bob Hensley; sisters-in-law: Ann, Donna, Jean, and Georgia Schiwal, Viola Hill, and Lorna Hensley; and grandson, Robert Ferguson.

The family would like to thank the staff and administrators of Rocky Mountain Care Center, Clearfield, Utah, for their exceptional care of Francis (Dad and Papa) and guidance provided to us from September 17, 2017, to his passing.  We would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice, especially Heather and Brooke, for the extra care and support provided to both him and the family during this difficult time. 

You did it, Dad! You made it to 81 ½ years old! We will love and miss you always.

At his request, no formal services will be held.  A celebration of his birthday and life will take place next summer in Torrey, Utah, where he will be laid to rest.  In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donate to a charity of your choosing.  Cremation under the direction of Aaron’s Mortuary and Crematorium, Clearfield, Utah.