Gerald H. Schwede, 89, of Eau Claire died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Clairemont Nursing Home. 

He was born in Chippewa Falls, WI, on April 1, 1920 to Herman and Myrtle Schwede.

Jerry was a graduated of Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 1938.

He entered the U.S. Air Force on February 3, 1942.  Jerry served as a pilot while stationed in England. He was honorably discharged on November 21, 1945.

Jerry married Marie A. Webb in 1946, in Chippewa Falls. They later divorced 

He later married Arlene Dewitz in Eau Claire.

He worked over 42 years as a tire builder at Uniroyal until his retirement in 1987.

Jerry is survived by four children, Mary Schwede of Bloomington, MN, Dennis (Christine) Schwede of Spring Valley, Douglas Schwede of Elmwood, and Deborah (Mark Houman) Knuttila of Altoona; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Lacy, Chelon, Torence, Kathryn, and Aubrey Schwede, Travis and Tracey Knuttila; and his great grandson, Kegan Lee Haremza

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Arlene in 1961; and a son, David Schwede.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire with Pastor David J. Irgens officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire where VFW Post 305 will present military graveside honors.