A Giant who walked humbly and lived among us in a quiet, gentle, loving, caring manner guiding and teaching us to be Servants to Others. His service to JASPER spanned over 64 years.
On September 8, 2010, at the age of 86, Gervase Schwenk was taken from us by cancer. He fought until the end never giving up on living. Less than 8 weeks ago, he was out on his jet ski riding at 50+mph and, prior to one of his treatments, went for a bike ride on his Honda Helix. He truly was a man who Loved Life. He truly lived our mission statement “Do it Right … and Have Fun”.
Just 6 weeks ago, Gervase walked our shop floors talking and shaking hands. Just 2 weeks ago, as we were eating lunch in his kitchen, he inquired about the ESOP, sales, JPS and other projects including the Ground Breaking of an expansion at Crawford County. You see, Gervase lived each minute as if it might be his last, making sure “you felt appreciated”.
Gervase served our nation in World War II and received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He never really talked about that gruesome experience but looked forward to his annual reunions and was always thankful for the service of others.
Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines & Transmissions said, “He truly is the smartest man I’ve ever met and, more importantly, the most humble man I have ever met.” Gervase’s talents include being a self-taught engineer, computer programmer, and great tax advisor. He was recognized as being in the Top 10% of the nation’s Stock Portfolio Managers. You would never know it, however, as he didn’t talk about his success or his accomplishments.
Gervase started working for Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Ruxer as a bookkeeper in 1946 when he returned from World War II. Alvin would brag about Gervase’s great penmanship and the fact his letter of why he wanted the job was delivered the same day of his interview. From bookkeeper to Chairman of the Board of JASPER for some 23 years, Gervase is a true testimony of what can be accomplished by “thinking a little differently and working a little smarter”. Whether it was on the shop floor or in a Board Meeting of our company or at Memorial Hospital, the Evansville Dioceses, Precious Blood Church, Sisters of St. Benedict, VU Foundation, St. Meinrad Archabbey or as President of the Jasper Band Parents for a number of years, he stayed in the background, allowing others to receive the credit and the praise. Gervase truly practiced the teachings of Christ… To Serve Others.
Gervase was a family man committed to his 7 children, 18 grand children and 8 great grand children. Whether it was teaching them how to water or snow ski, he enjoyed helping others excel. He was the first one on the ski lift and the last to leave. When asked why – “so you get your money’s worth”, he responded. But Gervase didn’t have to pay as he was over 70, he truly lived each breath as if it was his last.
We all have great memories and stories of this True Giant who was very serious but always willing to have some fun by sharing in company events and programs. Although he will greatly be missed, each of us has been blessed by his presence and his leadership by example. We must work to allow his Legacy to live on in each of us. Let’s remember one of his favorite axioms - to lead by example, not in what we say, but in what we do with our Family, Friends, Favorite Charities and at Work.
Whenever considering a major decision at work, home or on a board, he would share “let’s sleep on it“. Well Gervase, Sleep well our Good Friend… We Love You and Miss You
September 10th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Dear JET Family,
About one year ago Gervase invited me on a tour of Jasper Engines. During that tour I saw first hand how he respected each of you and thought highly of all his fellow Associates.
I agree, a giant of a man lived among us. He taught us by his example of serving others. The bottom line was to make things better, in all circumstances. During this time know of my prayers for Jasper Engines and all Associates.
May Gervase Rest in Peace and let Perpetual light shine upon him.
Humbly in Christ,
Fr. Gary Kaiser
Precious Blood Pastor