Clair Walter Schwickerath

December 5, 1938 – July 24, 2024 

Clair Walter Schwickerath passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the age of 85. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. with a short Memorial Service beginning around 3:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1505 North Grand Avenue, in Charles City.

Clair was born on Dec. 5, 1938, in New Hampton, Iowa. He was a graduate of St. Williams High School in Alta Vista, class of 1956. Clair then joined the Marines and was stationed at Camp Pendelton in San Diego, Ca. and was honorably discharged after his service. Clair was a resident of Mason City, Cresco and Charles City before moving to Maryland and residing in Cambridge.

Clair found success in his career with sales, from his time with Coca Cola Bottling to Combine Insurance to several car dealerships. His innate ability to tell stories and jokes made it very easy for him to connect with people from all walks of life. Clair’s experience growing up on a farm provided a strong work ethic that never wavered even in difficult times.

Clair enjoyed playing all sorts of card games, it was perhaps his favorite way to pass an afternoon with family and friends. He was also known to find the occasional “profitable” slot machine at his local casino. Although he often lamented that it didn’t quite make up for all his other visits. Clair was a huge football fan, catching as many games as possible. His first interest was the Minnesota Vikings and would even debate all those Ravens fans out on the East Coast. In his later years he also could be found taking a keen interest in the fortunes of the Hawkeyes.

Clair donated his remains for scientific study to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Clair is survived by his wife, Tina Schwickerath of Cambridge, MD, and members of his family including David Schwickerath of Phoenix, AZ, Denise Campbell (Adam) of Scottsdale, AZ,

Kevin Schwickerath (Michele) of Garner, IA, Jodi Maginnis (Bill) of Mason City, IA, Tiffany Schwickerath of Charles City, IA, grandchildren including Alex Maginnis of Dawsonville, GA, Austin Maginnis (Ashley) of Sarasota, FL, Miranda Schwickerath of West Branch, IA, Keith Schwickerath (Paige) of Ankeny, IA, Sarah Campbell of New York City, NY, Ben Goll (MiaMia) of Garner, IA, and Garland Smith of Cambridge, Maryland, along with three great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Clair was preceded in death by his sons Rick and Keith, parents Victor and Rose Schwickerath, brothers Earl and LaVern, and sisters Ellen (Weist), Arlene (Heying), Millie (Weber) and Doris (Mrachek).

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests considering a memorial donation to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.