David Schwalb
Granite City | Save
David Olin Schwalb, 80, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of October 24, 2026. Born on August 14, 1946, in Granite City, Illinois, Dave leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, generosity, laughter, and, above all, love for his family.
Dave proudly served in the United States Navy's Submarine Service from 1966 to 1971, serving aboard the USS Henry Clay and USS Lafayette. He was honorably discharged as a Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class (Submarine Warfare Qualified). Following his military service, Dave worked at National Maintenance in Hartford, IL, before joining General Electric, where he established the Worldwide Marine division. After years of hard work and dedication, he retired in 2011.
On January 27, 1968, Dave married Janet Franklin, beginning a marriage that spanned nearly 59 years. His greatest joy was his family, and he treasured the time they spent together. Dave enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and simply gathering with loved ones. He was hardworking, committed, funny, and generous, with a heart that always made room for others. He loved entertaining his family and friends with his many “Dave-isms,” bringing laughter and creating memories they will cherish for years to come. His love for God, his family, and his country left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Dave's Christian faith shaped his generosity and commitment to serving others. He served as commissioner of the Edwardsville Little League and co-founded the THANKS program, which helped provide support to children in need. Through his missionary work and connections to a church in Mexico, where he was affectionately known as “King David,” he extended that same spirit of service beyond his local community. His faith was evident in the way he cared for and helped others throughout his life.
Dave is survived by his beloved and dedicated wife, Janet Franklin Schwalb; his sister, Judy (Don) Fencel; his brother, Jim (Barb) Schwalb; his children, Jeff (Kerri) Schwalb and Kerri (Mike) Jett; his grandchildren, Daniel (Megan), Claire, Ben, Chris, Justin, and Jack; and his great-grandchildren, Millie, Charles, and Dottie. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Bud Terry, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Mildred Schwalb.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dave's life on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at The Bethalto Church of God 800 E Bethalto Blvd, in Bethalto, IL. The visitation will take place from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 am. Interment will be at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Bethalto Church of God to support missionary work in Mexico and to the Alzheimer's Association to support dementia research and support services.
Though his family will deeply miss his humor, generosity, and the love he brought to their lives, they find comfort in knowing that Dave has gone home to the Lord. His earthly journey has ended, but his faith, his love, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home
