Dean L. Schwalm, 85, of Goshen, passed away at his home Thursday morning, Nov. 27, 2014, after a brief illness.

He was born in Goshen on July 23, 1929, to Merle and Florence E. (Shank) Schwalm. Dean graduated in 1947 from Goshen High School where he played varsity football for three years. He went on to Manchester College to play four more years of varsity football and graduating in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He served with the U.S. Navy for 4 years; 2 years in French Morocco and 2 years in Norfolk, Va. While overseas he was fortunate to visit every European country, five countries in Africa and three in Asia. On Aug. 26, 1953, he married Anna Douma at Goshen City Church of the Brethren.

Dean worked with his father in the family business, Goshen Auto Electric and Brake, from 1956 until his retirement in 1996. The business started as an auto repair garage and grew to distribute parts and services to the auto, truck, tractor and off the road facilities. An active member of the community, Dean served as treasurer of the Goshen School Building Corporation and was a charter member of the Goshen Toastmaster Club. He was also a member of the Goshen Rotary Club and the Indiana Automotive Wholesalers Association. He was a lifetime member of Goshen City Church of the Brethren he taught Sunday school and served on many boards and committees.

He is survived by his wife; three children: Wynn (Julie) Schwalm, Syracuse; Timothy Schwalm, Indianapolis; Cinda (Paul) Bowers, Venice, Fla.; six grandchildren: Ryan, Winston; Carson and Alex Schwalm; Erin Wysong and Jennifer Beam; a great-grandson; and two sisters: Donna Schrock and Jane Miller, both of Naples, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen City Church of the Brethren or Goshen Historical Society or Wawasee Area Conservatory Foundation.