William "Bill" R. Schwarz
November 12, 2015
William “Bill” R. Schwarz, 63, died from liver failure on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. and a reception will follow the service.
Bill was born August 13, 1952 to William and Marjorie Schwarz in Minneapolis, MN, where he grew up. He worked in floral wholesale distribution for 20 years beginning with Greenleaf Wholesale Florist in Minneapolis, then in Des Moines and then in San Antonio. On his return to Des Moines he started and operated, Sun Wholesale Florist. He later started and ran Heartland, a custom-labeled bottled water company. He traveled to many places in the U.S. and Canada as well as to Mexico, Jamaica, Australia and several parts of Europe. Fun-loving Bill was a collector of good jokes and puns. Bill especially enjoyed skiing (down-hill and water), golf, football, hosting parties at his pool, and gathering friends at his family’s Cross Lake, MN cabin. He liked to attend live music and theater. He was a master at grilling and carving a turkey.
His memory will be treasured by his sisters, Jan Schwarz and Linda (Paul) Mohring of Minneapolis, MN; and his two aunts, eight cousins, and special friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Bill are preferred to the donor’s choice, or to Taylor House Hospice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Mark Lane
12/04/2015
What can I say, Bill was a one in a million guy. He was my friend and customer who I had many years of fun with. We also enjoyed golf on Thursdays at Willowcreek. I had been trying to contact Bill recently and didn't know he was sick. May God Bless Bill and his family. His Barney purple ball will always be remembered that he always putted with. The Water Guy too! RIP my friend!! Mark Lane The Box man.
Shelley Lytle
11/30/2015
Bill was a blessing to everyone he met. I know the joy and love he shared will live in all our hearts forever. The phrase " Transcend the Ordinary Ascend to the Divine" depicts his life. May Gods peace be with you during your loss.
Harlan and Sue (Panayotoff) Rose
11/29/2015
Dear Janet and Linda,
We are so sad to hear about Bill. Just know that we are thinking of you and praying for closure. Janet take care of yourself.
Love and blessings.
Hal and Linda Ream
11/29/2015
Bill was a great friend who would do anything for anyone. We loved his pool parties, a trip to the cabin, his pirate jokes, and shared a love for the Hawkeyes. Bill is sorely missed.
Ellen Holden Hadley
11/27/2015
Billy and his electric smile have a special place in my heart. Growing up as neighbors, he always had a joke or a prank hiding behind those twinkling eyes. What a great guy! Our entire family grieves with you, and will treasure him in our hearts forever.
Mary Millard
11/21/2015
Bill was my Brother-in-law who brought joy and laughter to the family gatherings. Bill and Janet helped me a lot when Sarah, and Tyler were young. He was always willing to help out when asked. Bill and my sister gave me the most beautiful wedding flowers anyone could ever dream of. I hope to see Bill in heaven. Family and friends are in my prayers for peace. In Jesus name. Amen! John 3:16 & 17.
Carole Gassaway
11/17/2015
Bill was a wonderful Brother-in-law, always "Mr. Fix-it", great Turkey Carver and fireman when a Thanksgiving centerpiece burst into flames. He will be greatly missed by many.
James Hart
11/16/2015
Bill was dearly loved by many and will be missed. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.