Irvin M. (Doc) Schwalm finished his race and crossed the finish line through the Purple Pearly Gates of Heaven on May 18, 2023. He came into this world on July 12, 1933 as the eldest son of Roy and Winona Schwalm. Irv grew up on the family farm west of Baldwin City, Kansas where he graduated from Baldwin High School in 1951. While there, he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball, earning a spot on the Kansas All Star Baseball team and attending Boy- State. While in high school he courted his future wife, Cleta. They were unified in marriage in 1952, recently celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

“Doc” graduated from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1957 starting his long and successful career as a well respected veterinarian, first in Palmyra, MO for 2 years, then moving his young family to Hiawatha, KS in 1959. Doc touched many farmers and families in the area with his love and care of their pets and livestock, while entertaining many with his numerous tales and his infectious sense of humor. He officially retired in 2010 giving him more time to enjoy his many loves and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, golf, gardening, motorcycling, and biking. He enjoyed his adventures biking across Kansas in the annual BAK rides. He made this a yearly priority for 16 years, through his 60's and into his 70's. He enjoyed the great outdoors and all creatures great and small. And to say he was an avid KSU sports fan is an understatement! He loved cheering on his KSU Wildcats! He had a fun life and made life fun for everyone around him.

Irvin served on the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board, Hiawatha School Board, and the Hiawatha City Commission. He was a member of the Hiawatha Country Club and the First United Methodist Church. Doc was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. (AVMA) and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Assn. (KVMA) where he was honored in 2015 with the “KVMA Distinguished Service Award”.

Irvin was greeted in Heaven by many loved ones including beloved his parents. He will be incredibly missed by his wife, Cleta, their four children, Mike (Sandy), Connie (Tony) Pizzuti, Cathy (Tony) White, and Marc (Sheila), many grandchildren and great grand-children, his brothers Edgar and J.T. (Julie), nieces, nephews, many cousins, and friends.

It was Irvin's wish to be cremated. A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, Shane Spangler officiating.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha Monday and Tuesday during office hours to sign the register and see pictures.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hiawatha United Methodist Church or the Brown County Humane Society in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha Kansas 66434. Join us in remembering Irvin (Doc) Schwalm by visiting his memorial at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home to view pictures and sign the registry or at https://www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com. Please share your thoughts, fond memories, and expressions of sympathy with our family. Thanks to all who enriched his life with love, laughter, and friendship.