Christeven Neil Schwarck

After a remarkably, almost unbelievably, full life, Christeven Neil Schwarck died peacefully at 92 years of age on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at MercyONE in Mason City, Iowa, in a room filled with family and friends while thoughts and prayers flowed in from near and far. A celebration of his life will take place at the Surf Ballroom at 460 N Shore Dr in Clear Lake on Saturday, March 7, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. with a meal to follow. The family invites all who knew him to attend and share their memories.

Chris was born on September 21, 1933 to Floyd and Alice (Ware) Schwarck in Whitten, Iowa and went on to graduate from Whitten High School in 1951. He worked hard on the family farm, and loved caring for the horses. He was heartbroken when his father sold them for a tractor. He vowed he would have his own team of horses when he was older, and he certainly did. He was inducted into the Iowa Draft Horse Hall of Fame in 2016. Chris married Ardis Wolford on August 19th, 1951 in Whitten, Iowa. Together they had three sons, Dan, Rick and John. They successfully farmed in Riceville, Iowa, raising pure-bred Charolais cattle, which Chris and his father did together. In 1965, he was recruited to become an agent for Life Investors and began his work in the insurance, annuities and investments industry, a career he never fully retired from. He was their top agent time and time again. Through the annuity business, Chris met Ann Hubbard. On July 30, 1988, Ann became his wife, and Megan became his daughter. Two careers weren't enough for someone like Chris, and at 72 he entered the ethanol industry where he also found success and continued working in for the next 20 years. Chris mentored people throughout his life. He never shied away from hard work and expected others to work hard as well. Chris would set his mind on something and set his heart on running the show to get it done. He loved Canada fishing trips and hunting on the farm and in South Dakota with family and friends. Chris became a believer in Christ. He cared deeply about conserving land to help God's creatures. He enjoyed felling trees on his property and using them to build buildings. He was the life of the party and liked to throw a good party too. He expected a lot and he gave a lot. There was nothing he loved more than his family and friends. He was always there in a pinch, and would give them the shirt off his back if they needed it.

He is survived by his wife, Ann (Hubbard) Schwarck; his children, Dan Schwarck (Laurie) of Riceville, Rick Schwarck (Holly) of St. Ansgar, John Schwarck (Janine) of Riceville, and Megan Schwarck of Mason City; his nieces, Jerilyn (Peter) Booth of Sussex, WI and Michelle (Eric) Frueh of Ankeny; his 13 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren; not to mention countless dear friends near and far. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Floyd Jerry Schwarck, sister, Dorothy A. Schwarck, and former spouse, Ardis Schwarck.

Chris had a gigantic personality, fire in his voice, a quip on his tongue, love in his heart, and a twinkle in his eye. Chris knew life could be fun and it was worth living — really living. He is known far and wide. A real legend.