Obituary of John Douglas Schwengler

April 28, 1960 – Calgary, Alberta

July 1, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sorrow that the family of John D. Schwengler, of Calgary, AB, announce his sudden passing on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the age of 63 years.

John was born and raised in Calgary, where he lived his entire life. From a young age, John had set his mind on becoming a teacher and pursued his calling, graduating from the University of Calgary with a degree in Education. He spent a brief period in the business sector during a break from university; however, he was compelled to return to teaching, which would remain the passion and purpose of his life. He began his full-time teaching career at St. Helena’s Jr High, then St. Mary’s High School and finally St. Francis High School. Each school held a special place for John but teaching at St. Francis was where John had desired to be a teacher (it was his alma mater). The privilege to inspire, grow or make an even a small difference in the life of every student he taught drove him everyday of his 35+ years service.

From childhood John was a collector with a boundless enthusiasm for books, music, movies, media and technology. To say John enjoyed comic books would be a gross understatement, as his love of the genre was unparalleled. 

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Bernadette. He is survived by his brother Tony (Kathy) with nephews Michael and Andrew (Ashley), and his sister Kelly (Eric) Young. While never married, John did share his life and his heart with several furry four-legged children (dogs) over his lifetime.                                          

Funeral Mass will be held at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at St. Francis High School. John will be laid to rest with his parents at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Beiseker. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Deceased first name’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta SPCA, 17904 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB  T5S 2W3, https://www.albertaspca.org/support-us/one-time-gift/.

In living memory of John D. Schwengler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.