Paul Schwasinger died on October 1, 2026, at the Vermillion Care Center in Vermillion, South Dakota. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with visitation at 6:00 p.m., service at 7:00 p.m. at Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion, South Dakota. There will be another service on Friday, October 9, 2026, visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. MST at Draucker Funeral Home in Ogallala, Nebraska with the Rev. Lisa Hadler of the United Church of Christ First Congregational in Ogallala officiating. Burial will be at the Ogallala Cemetery. Hansen Funeral Home and Draucker Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.
Paul was born on May 1, 1931, the son of Tilfred and Elsie (Welsh) Schwasinger. He attended grade school in Ketih County at District 46 (north of Brule) and District 21 (south of Ogallala). He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1949.
In April of 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorable discharged in 1955. After military service, Paul returned to Keith County, Nebraska and started farming.
On May 29, 1957, he married Mary Lou Harvey. They were married until her death on Jun 2, 1970. On November 18, 1981, he married Evelyn Joan (Peters) Wood, and they were married until her death on April 12, 2006. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In 2019, he moved to Vermillion, South Dakota to be close to family. Paul enjoyed the country life and had great neighbors, friends, and family, which he missed dearly and was really the only downside of his relocation after the lifetime spent in the Ogallala and Brule area.
While farming, he served on the School Board of District 46, the Rural Brule Fire Board, and the Farmer's Co-Op Board. He was also a Keith County Commissioner and Road Superintendent. He was a long-time member of the Congregational Church of Christ in Ogallala and held several positions. After moving to Vermillion, he attended the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughter, Kathaleen (Kelly) Wynn and their children, Brandon (Veronica), Angie, Tyler (Nicole), and Sarah (Villi); his son, Tim (Patty) and their children, Kristen (Andy) Vickers, Brooke (Michael) Powell, and Paul D. (Josie) Schwasinger.
Other survivors include stepson, Wayne (Libby) Wood and their daughter Jamie; stepdaughter, Deb (K.C.) Peterson and their children, Jessica, Jordon, and Blake; stepson, Larry (Lisa) Wood and their daughters, Cassie, Stephanie, and Jayne. He is also survived by and will be missed by his many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Paul is also survived by his sister, Alta Crapson.
Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers: Dale, Roy, and Jay; one sister, Jane Tjaden; and his brothers-in-law, Bill Tjaden and Bill Crapson.
In honor of Paul's memory, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 101 E. Main, Vermillion, SD 57069; or the Congregational Church, 302 N. Spruce St, Ogallala, NE 69153.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.
Services will be livestreamed from www.drauckerfh.com.
Draucker Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.