Loren Wilbur (Coach) Schweizer, 73, of Harrisonville, Missouri, fell asleep and peacefully passed away on July 26, 2023. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Special Olympics of Kansas City. We will have a celebration of life, outside in the fall. More information to follow.
Loren was born on April 8, 1950 in Rudd, Iowa, to Francis and Joyce (Witzel) Schweizer. He spent his youth tending to the pigs on the farm, playing every sport possible, and causing chaos along with his brothers: Jim, Merlyn and Craig. In high school, Loren was involved in everything possible: musicals, speech/debate, plays and was even the King of the Winter Formal his senior year. He was a three-sport athlete in school (wrestling, track, and basketball) and played baseball in the summer.
Through his participation in high school activities, Loren was able to travel, visiting New York and Washington DC. He was involved in the church, from singing in the choir to leading the service on Sunday as a Boy Scout. He graduated from Rockford, IA High School in 1968. He went on to study education and pursue his passion for coaching by attending North Iowa Community College in Mason City, IA for two years before graduating from Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, MO in 1974.
Upon graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career in Moberly, MO (1974-1980) where he coached wrestling, football, and track. Here, he found his love for coaching and achieved his first coaching success: creating high expectations for his athletes, as well as being a constant in their lives. His influence has been carried on by many young people throughout their lifetime.
In 1981, Loren moved to Harrisonville, MO, where he taught science and coached wrestling, football, and track. He eventually became the Athletic Director and finished his teaching career in the alternative school program, when he retired in 2004. Loren’s love for the sport of wrestling was apparent, as he also served as a longtime wrestling official. He was very honored to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in October, 2013. In typical Coach Schweizer fashion he commented, “If you hang around long enough, they have to give you something!”
Harrisonville is also where Loren started his family. In 1985, he married Lynn Wernex and welcomed two bonus kids, Jason and Sarah. His daughter, Jordan, came along in 1986, with a stubborn streak a mile long and all of the best features of her Dad. Two years later came Tucker Francis, a toe-headed boy with rosy cheeks, a strong will, and a smile that could melt the world. Although coaching had been his first love for years, being Dad proved to be even better. Playing catch in the front yard, sledding, rough housing and even making secret trips to buy Mountain Dew and peanut M&Ms to share. He attended and filmed every school event, every game, and every concert: never missing a single one.
After retirement, Loren enjoyed new beginnings. He started a lawn-care service and met his loving companion and partner, Debbie Wheeler. Loren enjoyed all that Debbie brought to his life, most importantly her kids: Steve and Lacey Wheeler and Amy and Chad Mayabb. Together they enjoyed travel and adventure: from whale watching and riding the world’s largest zip-line in beautiful Alaska, to touring the White House (where he mischievously touched the wall paper in the Red Room). He loved their annual winter trips to Kauai where he enjoyed whale watching, reading, and pre-dawn walks to the beach to see the giant green sea turtles sleeping on the beach.
He loved shooting the breeze with his son-in-law, Chris Grantham, and keeping in the loop of the happenings of Harrisonville. He loved spending time with his grandkids: Piper and Zoe Chaney, Sophie Grantham, Chase, Alex, Olivia and Max Wernex, Cole and Cali Mayabb, AJ and Amber Gunnels, Landon and London Wheeler. He regularly attended games, picked up London from Farm School, made numerous trips to McDonalds for a Happy Meal or Egg McMuffins, whatever was needed. Loren’s nieces and nephews also held a very special place in his heart, and in turn they loved and respected him back.
Loren loved his life and those who shared it with him. He brought sarcasm and a funny story with him wherever he went. He had a work ethic like no other. He could BS with anyone. He described himself as a “smooth talker and a snappy dresser”. He thought a man could never have too many old trucks and loved his old truck “Brownie”. He was always thinking, saying “Hey, I’ve got a great idea for ya!” His laugh, ornery grin, and coaching skills (in sports and in life) will be missed by many. Dad, I hope you are having a cold Bud Light and telling all of your funny stories.
