James (Jim) Schwengel, 80, passed away on July 18, 2024. Jim was a proud, life-long Cedarburg resident. We aren't sure anyone could love Cedarburg, Door County, and Wisconsin more.

Jim lived his life in homes along Cedar Creek. As a child, he built forts, went ice skating, and learned to swim in the Creek. As an adult, he protected its banks from invasive plants and canoed its waters.

He was an avid blood donor and donated a total of 254 pints. He was active with many organizations including the League of Women Voters, Faith Lutheran Church (Cedarburg), Bethany Lutheran Church (Ephraim), and every level of organized dentistry.

Beyond being a good citizen and a positive, hopeful person, Jim was a loving and devoted family member. He was the son of Harry and Irene Schwengel. He is survived by wife Judy, daughter Christy, son-in-law Robert, and grandchildren Anna and Adam who were adored by "Papa." He is also survived by sister Karen Borchardt (the late James), brother Robert Schwengel (Louise), as well as beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Susan and his son Billy who passed just the week before his dad.

Jim graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1962 and graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1968. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Dental Corps and then practiced dentistry in Cedarburg from 1970 to 1998. Jim so appreciated his loyal staff and wonderful patients.

For 28 years, Jim worked at Marquette University School of Dentistry. He served on countless committees and became an Adjunct Clinical Professor. He received many awards over the years. Jim was a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and an active member of the Washington-Ozaukee Dental Society.

He was an exceptionally hard worker – from his childhood paper route, to managing the Cedarburg Pool, to becoming a dentist. He taught at Marquette up until May of this year and had hoped to work until age 90.

Although he worked hard, he wasn't a believer that anyone can solely "pull themselves up." He knew that his parents, his public schools and Marquette, his staff in the dental office, and his community made many things possible. He was grateful and shared his appreciation.

Jim cherished life's most simple joys – delicious meals, biking in Peninsula State Park, naps in the hammock, Door County sunsets, and following all Wisconsin sports teams.

Even more closely, he followed what was going on in the world, and he engaged. He had strong beliefs and would yell at certain politicians on tv, but he would never yell at you. He valued decency, honesty, civility, welcoming the stranger, and treating all with respect. His yard sign said, "Hate has no home here."

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donations to your local PBS station, Faith Lutheran Church in Cedarburg (faithlutherancedarburg.com), or "Bridge Scholars," a college grant program supporting outstanding graduates of Milwaukee's Golda Meir High School, (www.mightycause.com/story/btdscholars).

Special thanks to Horizon Home Care and Hospice as well as the Kathy Hospice for the extraordinary care.

Services will be held on Sunday, November 3rd at Faith Lutheran Church in Cedarburg. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 with a funeral service at 3:00 followed by a coffee and dessert reception.