Jane Schwartz

Jane Schwartz, 97, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at her home.

Cora Jane Nelson was born on November 2, 1926, on the family farm three miles southeast of Brayton, Iowa, the daughter of Sidney Christian and Viola Hazel (Cochran) Nelson. She joined brothers, Eugene and Bill and sister, Mary May.

She attended country school and later Exira High School. Before graduating in 1944, she obtained permission from the state of Iowa to teach at a country school to finish out the year for her sister-in-law who left to join her husband who was serving in the Air Force overseas.  This permission was granted only if she continued to keep up her grades so she could obtain her high school diploma and pass the normal training exam for her Teaching Certificate. At that time, she said she was so tired each day she had a hard time keeping her eyes open. She continued to teach at that same school for the next four years and said she had the best students in Iowa.

After moving to Atlantic she worked for Dr. Kitson and later for Linke Chevrolet. She married Carlyle Billy Schwartz on January 30, 1949. To this union four children were born – Dennis Lee, Gary Carlyle, Wynn Gordon and Mark Christian.  In 1987, she received custody of her 3-week-old granddaughter, Heather Michelle (Schwartz) Bigelow, and raised her as her beloved daughter.

She worked at Deter Motor Company, Cambridge, Carl & Feilmeyer Law Office, in the Cass County Engineer’s Office, and as secretary at the First United Presbyterian Church, where she also served as an elder.

Jane painted many pictures, selling them as far away as California. She was always happy with a paintbrush in her hand and took lessons from several teachers.  She enjoyed bowling and her average was so consistent all the time, her nickname was “Reliable Jane.” Her husband Carlyle built a big greenhouse on the side of the garage for her and she spent hours planting and growing many kinds of flowers and vegetables. Jane also enjoyed golfing and spent many days at Nishna Hills Golf Course.

Jane was a member of the Council Bluffs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a past member of BPW where for many years she served as President, District Director, and on state committees. She was also a long-time member of the B.P.O. DOES, Drove #23, serving as President and attending National meetings with her fellow officers.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Viola and Sidney Nelson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene (Lois) and Bill (Ruby); sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Wyman Maulsby); and husband, Carlyle Schwartz.

She is survived by her four sons, Dennis (Jean Guard), Gary, Wynn and Mark; grandchildren, Michael, Ben (Erin), Paul, and Heather (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Beth (Aaron), Tyler (Courtney), Tucker and Aria; several great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 1^st at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2^nd at Roland Funeral Home, with Reverend Dr. Rachelle McCalla of the First United Presbyterian Church officiating.  The service will begin with a special tribute by the B.P.O. Does, Drove #23. 

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jane’s family and the arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.