Cletus J. Schwickerath

cletus schwickerath

Cletus J. Schwickerath age 85 of New Hampton, IA, died Saturday, January 11, 2025, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass.

Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, North Washington with Casey Schwickerath, Devon Schwickerath, Beth Schwickerath, Carrie Schwickerath, Josh Holthaus, Jayson Holthaus, Jordan Holthaus, Austin Schwickerath, and Josie Schwickerath serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service.

Cletus Joseph Schwickerath, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on January 11, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on January 25, 1939, in New Hampton, Cletus was a man of profound wisdom, selflessness, and a faith-filled heart that guided him through an admirable life journey.

Educated at St. Mary’s Catholic School in North Washington through the 8th grade, Cletus embraced his true calling as a farmer early in life. He took over the family farm due to his father’s ill health, demonstrating a dedication and work ethic that would become a hallmark of his character. Alongside his wife Eleanor, whom he met at Gardner Drug Store in New Hampton, Cletus built a life filled with love, hard work, and creativity on their second-generation family homestead. Cletus and Eleanor were married on August 3, 1963, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. 

A self-taught engineer, Cletus’s ingenuity knew no bounds. He welded yard art, crafted magnetic jewelry, and engaged in carpentry work with the same ease and expertise as he managed his farm. His children fondly recall Gramps teaching his grandkids to drive in his Chevy pickup “Brownie” and the family routine of cleaning chickens in the morning, followed by afternoons spent fishing for bullheads at Clear Lake. A man of few words, but when he spoke, one of his famous sayings, “Don’t piss around,” resonated with a gentle firmness that only Cletus could convey.

Cletus’s involvement in his community and church was a testament to his commitment to service and fellowship. A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish, he was a founding member of the North Washington Mens Choir in 1968. Together with Eleanor, Cletus was a devoted volunteer at the church and a lifetime member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was a talented pitcher for his fast-pitch softball team in his younger years and was active in 4-H, proudly earning the honor of Family of the Year in 1987. 

His love for quilting showcased another facet of his many talents. At the young age of 78, Cletus started quilting. When Patrice opened her quilt shop, Cletus would come in most every day to “work.” He quickly and meticulously learned how to sew a 1/4″ seam, which in the end turned into beautiful quilts that were displayed in the quilt shop. He also learned how to use a seam ripper if a mistake was made!

A man who never wanted to throw anything away, Cletus lived by the principle that what he saved might one day be needed by his children. His love for naps was well-known, as was his ability to preserve and share the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime of experiences.

Cletus Joseph Schwickerath’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, creativity, love for family, and deep-rooted faith. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we do so with gratitude for the wisdom he shared, the selflessness he embodied, and the faith that guided him. His memory will continue to inspire and comfort his family and community for generations to come.

Cletus is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Eleanor of New Hampton, and their four children, Craig (Deb) of Cedar Falls, Tony (Janet) of New Hampton, Scott (Julie) of Remsen, and Patrice (Brian) Schilling of New Hampton; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Josephine (Mishak) Schwickerath, and his siblings, Robert (Marlys) Schwickerath, Joanna (Elmer) Geerts, Bernice (Ray) Felder, and Alice (Herb) Carpenter.

 

Services

Mass of Christian Burial: January 17, 2025 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Immaculate Conception North Washington
114 N Wapsi
New Hampton, IA 50659

394-2105

Visitation: January 16, 2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - New Hampton
101 West Main Street
New Hampton, IA 50659

(641) 394-4334
http://www.hugebackfuneralhome.com/

Parish Scripture Service: January 16, 2025 7:00 pm

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - New Hampton
101 West Main Street
New Hampton, IA 50659

(641) 394-4334
http://www.hugebackfuneralhome.com/

Graveside: January 17, 2025 11:30 am

St. Mary's Cemetery - North Washington
1641 170th Street
New Hampton, IA


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  1. So sorry to hear of Cletus’ passing….such a nice man…..sympathies to the entire family. Todd & Sherry Grober

  2. Our sympathy to all the family. A kind man and always ready to enjoy a good visit. Rest in peace. Prayers.
    Louise and Donn Harris

  3. Sorry for your loss. Cletus is one of the last neighbors in the North Washington neighborhood that lived by in-laws. I remember, Marie, my mother-law talk about celebrating birthdays and playing cards late in the night and laughing a lot.
    I didn’t realize Cletus’ birthday was the same day as Marie’s.
    May he rest in peace.

  4. Condolences to the Schwickerath family. I always enjoyed my conversations with Uncle Cletus. RIP Godfather.

  5. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time. I always enjoyed visiting with Cletus. He was quick with a smile and could talk about most anything easily. A true gentleman in every way. He will be dearly missed. Our family enjoyed many good times with your family. My dad Cletus, really enjoyed having him in the men’s choir at church. May he rest in peace. Blessings to you all!

  6. Our deepest sympathy to the Schwickerath family. Cletus will be missed by family and friends. Rest In Peace.

  7. Our deepest sympathy to the Schwickerath family. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. So very sorry Schwickeraths. Thinking of you and offering up all the prayers for peace comfort.

  9. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ellenor, Patrice, and the entire Schwickerath family. May he rest in peace

  10. Eleanor and family
    Sorry for your loss, find strength in the Love of the Lord during this time of Grief.

  11. Extending our most heartfelt sympathy to Eleanor and family. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  12. Cletus was a kind but quiet person whom I got to know by playing a few times for the North Washington Choir. It was a pleasure to know him. Our sympathy to the entire family.

  13. Our deepest sympathy To the family. He sounds like a talented guy and able to do many things! Prayers..

  14. Our deepest condolences to you, Eleanor, and to your family. We always enjoyed visiting you!

    Sorry we can’t come to the funeral because we are getting ready for a three week bus tour to Arizona which leaves Sunday. Nick and Nancy are also going on the trip.
    Praying for you!
    Rich and Louise

  15. Our deepest sympathies to Eleanor and family . A kind and gentle man who always had a friendly hello and smile. Rest In Peace, Cletus. You’re singing with the angels now.

  16. Our sympathy to Eleanor and family. We enjoyed years playing cards and friendship with you two. Cletus had a quick wit and humor unforgetable . REST in PEACE Cletus . Gary & Connie Kuehn

  17. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a father is an incredibly difficult experience, and my heart goes out to you during this painful time. A father’s love and guidance leave a lasting mark, and I hope you can find comfort in the memories you shared and the legacy he left behind.
    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Shannon Ceccoli

  18. My sympathies, Eleanor, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, I know there are no words that can ease the weight of this loss, but know you are surrounded by love. His love, kindness, and the memories you built together will forever remain a part of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Shannon Ceccoli


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