Loren Dell Schwartz, 99, of Hedrick was born January 6, 1919, in rural Mahaska County, the son of Edward and Selma Swanstrom Schwartz. He entered the world on his own terms and was delivered before the doctor could get to the family home making him a ½ price delivery baby at $12.50. This determination would prove to be a lifelong trait. He graduated from Hedrick High School with the class of 1937. Following graduation, he worked in Ottumwa for a short time. On November 1, 1941, he was united in marriage to Marguerite Shipley in Omaha, Nebraska. Marguerite died on December 28, 2003. Loren always had a passion for agriculture, enjoying every aspect of his farming operation season to season. He was still driving the tractor doing tillage on the farm at the age of 97. He remained interested in the daily routines on the farm, on the progress of this planting season, and the new livestock being born. Loren had a strong sense of community for the Hedrick area. He saw great value in getting involved and giving back to his community. In June of 2017, he was honored by serving as Grand Marshall of the Hedrick Barbeque Days parade. He was an active member of the Hedrick Christian Church where he was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Elder. He was also very involved in the Hedrick School System for many years serving on the Board of Directors for 20 years and was always supportive of school events there and later at Pekin Community Schools. He especially looked forward to watching not only family, but all participants in their activities. Loren thoroughly enjoyed attending Hedrick High School Alumni Banquets and was recognized in recent years for being the oldest graduate in attendance. Loren was a long time familiar face at the Iowa State Fair. He first camped at the fair in 1935 and still has a spot reserved there today. He held a great deal of historical knowledge of Hedrick and the surrounding area and was always eager to share that with others. He especially enjoyed sharing in the Ag Conference Room on a daily basis with his friends over a cup of coffee. He will be truly missed in that little corner of the world. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend, and steward of the land. In his own words numerous times, I have had a wonderful life, no complaints. He now is enjoying an even greater eternal life having passed away Friday, May18, 2018 at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa.

His family includes his daughter and her husband, Margie and Arthur Millikin of Hedrick; three grandchildren, Amber (Steve) Rude, Bryce (Allison) Millikin, and Cade Millikin; four great grandchildren, Hudson Rude, Mia Rude, Elsie Rude, and Levi Rude; a brother, Kermit Schwartz of New York; a sister in law, Dorothy Denney of Oskaloosa; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Loren was preceded in death by two sisters, Nadine Phillips and Ruth Hancock; a grandson, Blake Millikin; and 24 brothers and sisters in law.

Celebration of Life services will be held Friday, May 25, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in the Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church in Hedrick with Reverend John Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Brooks Cemetery near Hedrick. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday, May 24, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. in the Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church and the family will be at the church from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Loren Schwartz Memorial Fund and will benefit the Hedrick Christian Church, Pekin School District, and the Hedrick Civic Center.