Richard "Rick" Schwandt

Richard Charles Schwandt ran into the arms of his Savior on February 24th, 2026 following a tragic accident while vacationing with his family in Maui.

Born April 25th, 1959 to Audrey (Buss) Schwandt and Charles “Chuck” Schwandt, Rick spent most of his youth growing up in Shiocton, WI, graduating from Shiocton High School in 1977. He later went on to achieve his Bachelors of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. Rick also achieved a CPA designation. Following school, Rick was briefly employed at Zwicker Knitting Mills in Appleton before starting a 26+ year career with AAL/Thrivent where he was a valued employee and made many friends.

Rick was united in marriage to Lynn (Gardner) Schwandt on September 13, 1986 and was looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary later this year. Rick was blessed to be the father of two children - Stephen (Cassie) and Alyssa - who he loved with all his heart, also loving his daughter-in-law Cassie like she were his own. Rick was overjoyed to have been promoted to Grandpa three times over, having a special love and admiration for his grandchildren: Elise, Keston, and Celine, who could never get enough “grandpa time.” Rick also had a very special relationship with their family dog, Murphy, who he affectionately knew as his “little buddy.”

Rick was a proud family man and was happy spending many summers at the ball diamond coaching, encouraging and supporting his children in their baseball and softball endeavors. He was also especially fond of and grateful for the opportunities he had to travel the world and make special memories with his wife. Fulfilling a growing desire to physically walk in the footsteps of Jesus, he participated in a recent trip with his church to Israel. This was an especially moving experience for him - one he spoke about with a special kind of joy in his voice. One of Rick’s favorite destinations was his home in Conover, WI on Buckatabon Lake. He loved being in God’s creation - fishing and hunting, sitting by the campfire and staring at the stars, tending to his garden, and boating on the lake watching the eagles. Being able to share it all with his family was priceless to him. Rick also became an avid runner, eventually training for and completing several half-marathons.

Rick’s retirement in 2018 quickly transitioned to “repurposement.” He began to know and love his savior Jesus more intimately and grew more and more passionate about serving and being part of God’s redemptive work. He was active in serving Faith Lutheran Church in many capacities including: the Senior Ministry team, Usher, online chat host, Vacation Bible School teacher, and he was especially proud to have been a handler through the Comfort Dog Ministry to Hagar. Rick was also a regular Habitat for Humanity volunteer, helping with builds all over the world. He was looking forward to a build in Maui later this year and giving back to a place he loved. Rick also served as a board member and volunteer for Learn to Fish With Us, in addition to his role on the board for the Buckatabon Lakes District.

Rick is survived by his wife, Lynn; children, Stephen (Cassie) and Alyssa; grandchildren, Elise, Keston and Celine; brother, Scott Schwandt; sisters and brothers in-law, Lori Gardner, Paul and Mindy Wypiszynski, Kyle and Peggy Gardner; nieces and nephews, Ryan (Jen) Wypiszynski, Emily (David) Poh and their children Gabriel and Henry, Tyler Gardner and Alexis Gardner; step mother-in-law, Muriel Gardner and her family; and numerous aunts, cousins and extended relatives.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Audrey; his mother and father in-law, June Gardner and Richard Gardner; his grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

A visitation will be held for Rick on Tuesday, March 10, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Wichmann Funeral Homes, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton.

The funeral service for Rick will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 10:30 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Ave, Appleton. A visitation at Faith Lutheran Church will be held from 9:30 AM to the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be set up in Rick’s honor to support organizations and causes he had a special heart for.